Nigeria’s drive to meet global maritime security standards received a fresh boost as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, deepened technical collaboration with the United States Coast Guard to strengthen compliance across the nation’s port facilities.
The renewed momentum followed a five day assessment visit by a United States Coast Guard delegation led by its Chief of International Port Security Operations, Mr Bryan Ullmer, who inspected critical installations in Lagos in line with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security Code.
Facilities visited during the exercise included Rano Terminal, PTML, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Standard Flour Mill, and the NNPC Jetty, where compliance levels were reviewed against global benchmarks.
Speaking at the end of the tour, Ullmer acknowledged Nigeria’s steady progress, noting that years of sustained cooperation between both countries were beginning to yield visible results in port security management.
He recalled that the partnership dates back to the PICOMSS era, stressing that the improvements recorded across the inspected facilities signpost a system gradually aligning with international expectations.
While commending the gains, the US Coast Guard official maintained that more work lies ahead, assuring that his agency would continue to support Nigeria in closing existing gaps and achieving full compliance.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to consolidating the progress, declaring that Nigeria remains resolute in strengthening its port security architecture through sustained engagement with global partners.
Mobereola stressed that the agency would intensify efforts to address all identified deficiencies, with a clear target of securing the removal of the Condition of Entry placed on Nigerian bound vessels.
He further linked improved compliance to broader economic benefits, noting that adherence to global standards would enhance Nigeria’s maritime reputation, attract investment, and boost international trade flows.
The collaboration, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is widely seen as a strategic step toward positioning Nigeria as a competitive and secure hub in global shipping and port operations.