Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),Dr. Dayo Mobereola has explained the reasons behind the closure of the two tank farms in Lagos.
NIMASA shutdown two facilities – namely: shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, both located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos.
In a statement made available to newsmen, the DG stressed that the closure aligned with global best practices and is in accordance with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations (2014), which mandates the closure of any facility that remains in violation for over three calendar months.
Mobereola, emphasized the Agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
According to the DG, “In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort,” he said. “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.”
Dr. Mobereola added that the facilities would be reopened once all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, acknowledging their important role in service delivery and trade facilitation.
“Our Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola is committed to enhanced sustainable trade facilitation for the maritime sector in a safe and conducive environment”, Dr. Mobereola stressed.
He further stated that in its role as the Designated Authority for implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Nigeria, the apex maritime regulatory agency shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, respectively.
The enforcement action, he noted followed persistent non-compliance by the facilities with the provisions of the ISPS Code, despite several formal warnings.
Speaking on the development, the Director General of NIMASA, emphasized that “The ISPS Code, an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to enhance maritime and port security, particularly for facilities engaged in international trade.
