In a decisive move to reinforce maritime security, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has shut down two major port facilities—ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals—located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos. The closures come after repeated violations of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, despite multiple warnings issued by the agency.
The enforcement action, announced in a statement by NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie, is a direct response to the facilities’ persistent non-compliance and is rooted in Section 79(f) of the 2014 ISPS Code Implementation Regulations. This provision mandates closure for any facility found to be in breach for more than three consecutive months.
NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the shutdown as a necessary step in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
> “This is not a decision we took lightly,” Mobereola said. “Our goal is to ensure all port facilities meet international standards. With ongoing efforts alongside the U.S. Coast Guard to lift restrictions on Nigerian vessels, we cannot afford security lapses that could undermine our progress.”
While emphasizing that enforcement was a last resort, Mobereola reiterated the agency’s readiness to reopen the facilities once they meet all compliance requirements. He also acknowledged their vital role in trade facilitation, stressing that maritime security must go hand-in-hand with economic development.
The ISPS Code, developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, is a global standard aimed at fortifying the security of ships and port facilities—especially those involved in international trade.
NIMASA’s crackdown underscores the government’s broader agenda to position Nigeria as a secure, compliant, and competitive maritime hub. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting sustainable trade within a safe and efficient port environment.
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