The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has ordered the shutdown of ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos State. The closure was carried out over the terminals’ failure to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. ShellPlux is a private, independent Nigerian energy company and is not affiliated with Shell Petroleum.
NIMASA, which is the government-designated authority for enforcing the ISPS Code in Nigeria, announced the decision through a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osaige. The statement quoted the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who said that the decision to shut the terminals was due to their persistent non-compliance with the ISPS code, despite several warnings issued to them over time.
Dr. Mobereola explained that the enforcement action aligns with international best practices and complies with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations of 2014. This section mandates the closure of any port facility that fails to meet the required security standards for more than three consecutive months.
He emphasized the agency’s responsibility to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime domain against potential security threats, adding that such enforcement measures are necessary to uphold the nation’s reputation and maritime safety. He said, “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 jeopardize our progress.”
Mobereola also assured that the affected terminals would be reopened once they fully comply with the ISPS Code requirements. “The facilities would be reopened once all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, as the agency is also committed to service delivery and trade facilitation. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is committed to enhancing sustainable trade facilitation for the maritime sector in a safe and conducive environment,” he added.
The ISPS Code is an amendment to the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). It was designed to enhance maritime and port security, particularly for facilities involved in international shipping and trade. The code sets out measures to detect and prevent security threats to ships and port facilities.
NIMASA’s enforcement action comes at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to improve its maritime security reputation globally. The country has been under scrutiny, particularly by the United States Coast Guard, which previously placed Nigeria under conditions of entry for vessels calling from the country due to security concerns. As a result, the Nigerian government, through NIMASA and other stakeholders, has been working to enhance port security standards.
NIMASA has reiterated that compliance with the ISPS Code is not negotiable for all port facilities operating in Nigeria. The agency maintains that adherence to the code is necessary to protect the maritime industry, ensure the safety of vessels and crew, and promote smooth trade operations within Nigeria’s waters.
The shutdown of ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals serves as a warning to other terminal operators across the country to prioritize compliance with global security standards. It also underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing regulations aimed at strengthening the nation’s maritime infrastructure and trade environment.
