NIMASA Shuts Two Lagos Terminals Over Security Breaches

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has sealed off ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos State for persistent violations of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The enforcement action followed repeated warnings by the agency, which the terminals reportedly ignored. The ISPS Code—adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) as part of the SOLAS Convention—sets security standards for ports and terminals involved in international maritime operations.

NIMASA Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, explained that the closure aligns with global maritime security practices and complies with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which empowers the agency to shut down any facility that fails to comply after three months of violation.

“We wielded the big stick only as a measure of last resort. Our mandate is to enforce strict safety and security protocols across Nigeria’s ports and jetties,” Mobereola said.

He emphasised that the move was necessary, especially as Nigeria works closely with the United States Coast Guard to improve its maritime security profile and lift security advisories on vessels operating from Nigeria.

The NIMASA boss assured that the terminals would be reopened once they meet all compliance benchmarks, noting their relevance to trade facilitation and service delivery in the maritime sector.

He also reiterated the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to promoting sustainable trade in a secure operating environment.