Nigeria’s terminals, port facilities compliant with ISPS implementation, says U.S.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has commended Nigeria’s terminals and port facilities for significant progress in implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The U.S. Coast Guard team, led by Joe Prince Larson from the International Port Security Programme, conducted a working tour of various terminals and ports in Nigeria to assess the level of ISPS Code compliance.

As part of their evaluation, the team visited the Dangote Port and the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos State, along with private port facilities operated by Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State.

The USCG has consistently partnered with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to conduct on-the-spot assessments of Nigerian ports’ compliance with the ISPS Code.

These evaluations, initiated last year as part of a three-year plan, aim to provide actionable insights and data-driven decisions to facilitate the removal of the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels departing Nigeria for the United States.

Presenting an interim assessment report to NIMASA’s management, Larson noted that Nigeria’s compliance with the ISPS Code ranks among the best globally.

He added that his team would relay their findings to US Coast Guard leadership and expressed confidence in NIMASA’s ability to sustain the high standards achieved.

“We had the pleasure of visiting Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State, before proceeding to the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Port in Lagos. Our overall assessment was very positive. We observed a clear and deep understanding of the ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria, with compliance levels comparable to those of leading maritime nations worldwide. We will report our findings to US Coast Guard headquarters accordingly,” he stated.

In response, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining the improved compliance levels at Nigeria’s ports, emphasizing its impact on the country’s international reputation.

He also pledged continued support for efforts to enhance standards in the Nigerian maritime industry.

“I am pleased with the positive feedback from the USCG delegation. It serves as recognition of the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the sector and validates the agency’s efforts, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to ensure adherence to international port security standards,” he stated.