NIMASA Shuts Down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals Over ISPS Code Violations
Kathy Kyari
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos, due to persistent non-compliance with the provisions of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
As Nigeria’s Designated Authority for implementing the ISPS Code, NIMASA took the enforcement action after issuing several formal warnings to the affected facilities. The closures were carried out in line with global best practices and in accordance with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which stipulates the shutdown of any non-compliant facility that remains in violation for more than three calendar months.
Commenting on the development, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort,” Mobereola stated. “Our primary goal is to enforce safety and security practices across Nigerian ports and jetties. At a time when we are collaborating with the United States Coast Guard to lift the conditions of entry on vessels from Nigeria, we cannot afford lapses that jeopardize our progress.”
He further noted that the affected terminals would be reopened once all necessary compliance requirements have been satisfactorily met, recognizing their significance to trade facilitation and service delivery.
“Our Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to enhanced sustainable trade facilitation for the maritime sector in a safe and conducive environment,” Mobereola added.
The ISPS Code, which is an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to strengthen security in ports and on ships, especially those involved in international commerce.
0 Comments