By Sandra Chukwunyere
*** Mobereola Reaffirms Commitment to Partnership with USCG
Nigeria has recorded significant progress in port security compliance, following a recent assessment by the United States Coast Guard (USCG), with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) reaffirming its commitment to meeting international standards.
A USCG delegation, led by the Chief of International Port Security Operations, Mr. Bryan Ullmer, was in Nigeria for a five-day assessment visit to key port facilities in Lagos, including Rano, PTML, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Standard Flour Mill, and NNPC Jetty. The visit was aimed at evaluating the level of compliance with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Speaking after the tour, Ullmer commended the progress made by Nigeria over the years, noting that the partnership between both countries has led to tangible improvements in maritime security.
“We have maintained a longstanding partnership with Nigeria dating back to the PICOMSS era, and what we are seeing today reflects measurable progress in port security compliance. While there is still work to be done, the improvements across the facilities visited are significant, and we remain committed to deepening collaboration with NIMASA to achieve full alignment with international maritime security standards,” he said.
On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the Agency would sustain the momentum and address identified gaps to ensure Nigeria meets global best practices.
“NIMASA remains fully committed to working closely with the United States Coast Guard to strengthen Nigeria’s port security architecture. We recognize that while notable progress has been made, more effort is required, and we will continue to engage proactively to ensure the complete removal of the Condition of Entry on Nigerian-bound vessels,” he stated.
Mobereola added that the Agency, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is intensifying efforts to improve compliance across all port facilities. According to him, achieving full compliance will not only enhance Nigeria’s global maritime reputation but also boost trade and investment opportunities.
The ongoing collaboration between NIMASA and the USCG is part of broader efforts to align Nigeria’s maritime security framework with international standards and strengthen its competitiveness in global shipping and port operations.
