NIMASA Shuts ShellPlux, TMDK Terminals Over ISPS Code Violation

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has sealed off two petroleum storage terminals—ShellPlux and TMDK—located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos, citing persistent violations of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

According to a notice issued on Thursday by the agency’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, NIMASA said the enforcement action was carried out in its capacity as the Designated Authority for the implementation of the ISPS Code in Nigeria.

The ISPS Code, which forms part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish a standardized framework for ensuring maritime security, particularly for port facilities and vessels engaged in international trade.

Edward noted that the decision to shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals followed their “persistent non-compliance with the provisions of the ISPS Code, despite several formal warnings issued over time.”

He said the agency acted in accordance with Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations, 2014, which mandates the closure of non-compliant port facilities if violations persist beyond three calendar months.

“This move aligns with international best practices and reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to upholding global maritime security protocols,” Edward stated.

Speaking on the development, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, underscored that the closures were a measure of last resort after repeated engagements with the affected facilities failed to yield compliance.

“We are committed to fostering a safe and secure maritime environment. This enforcement action is not punitive, but necessary to protect Nigeria’s national interest and meet international obligations,” Mobereola said.

He highlighted the significance of security compliance at a time when Nigeria is actively working with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to improve the country’s maritime security rating and lift existing conditions of entry on vessels operating from Nigerian ports.

“We cannot afford any setbacks that undermine our progress. As we work towards regaining full international confidence, every port facility must play its part,” the NIMASA chief added.

Mobereola assured that the affected terminals will be allowed to resume operations once they demonstrate full compliance with all ISPS Code requirements.

He also acknowledged the critical role ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals play in Nigeria’s petroleum logistics and trade facilitation, but stressed that national security and regulatory compliance must remain paramount.

“The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, is fully committed to strengthening the nation’s maritime architecture in a manner that ensures secure, sustainable, and seamless trade facilitation,” Mobereola stated.

The enforcement underscores NIMASA’s resolve to ensure that all port facilities within Nigeria’s maritime domain operate within the bounds of international safety and security standards, thereby promoting investor confidence and operational integrity in the sector.

NIMASA Shuts ShellPlux, TMDK Terminals Over ISPS Code Violation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper