By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, both located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos, for persistent non-compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
According to the statement sent to Newspoint247 and signed by Osagie Edward, FNIPR Head, Public Relations of NIMASA, the enforcement action was taken despite several formal warnings issued to the facilities.
The shutdown is in line with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which mandates the closure of any facility that remains in violation for over three calendar months.
The move is part of NIMASA’s efforts to enforce safety and security practices across Nigerian ports and jetties.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort,” Dr. Mobereola said. “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.”
The facilities will be reopened once all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, according to Dr. Mobereola. He acknowledged the important role of ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals in service delivery and trade facilitation.
The ISPS Code, an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime and port security, particularly for facilities engaged in international trade. NIMASA’s action is a move towards ensuring that Nigerian ports and facilities meet global best practices in security.
The shutdown of the two terminals is a testament to the Agency’s commitment to enforcing sustainable trade facilitation for the maritime sector in a safe and conducive environment, as emphasized by the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
