Security & Safety
US Coast Guard Commends Nigeria’s Progress in Port Security, NIMASA Vows to Sustain Momentum
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has praised Nigeria and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for significant progress in implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Joe Prince Larson of the US Coast Guard made this known during a working tour of selected terminals and ports in Nigeria under the International Port Security Programme. The team conducted assessment visits to Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Lagos, as well as private port facilities operated by Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State.
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 assured that the findings would be relayed to US Coast Guard leadership and expressed confidence in NIMASA’s ability to maintain the achieved standards.
US Coast Guard Commends NIMASA on port security
“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. The overall assessment was very positive. There is a clear and deep understanding of ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria, with compliance levels comparable to some of the best maritime nations globally,” Larson stated.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the commendation and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustaining high compliance levels at Nigerian ports. He highlighted the impact of these efforts on Nigeria’s international reputation and assured continued collaboration with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to further enhance maritime security standards.
“I am pleased with the positive feedback from the US Coast Guard delegation. It reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to developing the sector and NIMASA’s efforts under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to uphold international security standards at our ports,” Mobereola said.
The US Coast Guard has been working with NIMASA to conduct periodic assessments of Nigerian ports’ compliance with the ISPS Code. These evaluations, initiated as part of a three-year plan, aim to provide actionable insights and facilitate the removal of the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on vessels departing Nigeria for the United States.