The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has commended Nigeria and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for significant improvements 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 assessed compliance levels at the 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 described Nigeria’s compliance with the ISPS Code as ranking among the best globally. He assured that their findings would be reported to US Coast Guard leadership and expressed confidence in NIMASA’s ability to maintain the high standards achieved.
“We visited 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 understanding of ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria, with compliance levels comparable to top maritime nations globally,” Larson stated.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the commendation and reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustaining compliance at Nigerian ports. He emphasized the positive impact on Nigeria’s global maritime reputation and reaffirmed support for initiatives led by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to further enhance standards in the sector.
“I am pleased with the positive feedback from the US Coast Guard delegation. It reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to maritime development and NIMASA’s efforts under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to uphold international security standards,” Mobereola said.
The US Coast Guard has been partnering with NIMASA on periodic assessments of Nigerian ports’ compliance with the ISPS Code. These evaluations, initiated as part of a three-year plan, are aimed at providing actionable insights and supporting efforts to lift the Condition of Entry (CoE) placed on vessels departing Nigeria for the United States.