NIMASA Closes Two Fuel-loading Terminals Due To Security Violations

‎The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has sealed off ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, both situated in the Ijegun-Egba axis of Lagos, for breaching the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
‎
‎In a statement issued on Thursday, NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, said the enforcement was carried out in line with the agency’s responsibility as the designated authority for ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria.
‎
‎The ISPS Code—an amendment to the SOLAS Convention—was established by the International Maritime Organisation to improve security at ports and terminals engaged in global trade.
‎
‎Edward stated that the shutdown followed “persistent non-compliance by the facilities with the provisions of the ISPS Code, despite several formal warnings.
‎
‎”The move aligns with global best practices and is by 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,” Edward said.
‎
‎Commenting on the development, NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to securing Nigeria’s maritime environment.
‎
‎“In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort. 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 jeopardise our progress,” Mobereola said.
‎
‎He noted that the terminals would resume operations once they fully meet all compliance standards, acknowledging their significant contribution to service delivery and trade facilitation.
‎
‎The NIMASA Director-General also highlighted the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to promoting sustainable trade within a secure and enabling maritime environment.
‎