The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has stepped up efforts to address lingering port security gaps and secure the removal of entry restrictions on Nigerian-bound vessels, as it deepens collaboration with the United States Coast Guard.

This comes as a USCG delegation, led by the Chief of International Port Security Operations, Mr. Bryan Ullmer, concluded a five-day assessment visit to key port facilities in Lagos, including Rano, PTML, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Standard Flour Mill, and the NNPC Jetty.

The visit, aimed at evaluating compliance with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security Code, forms part of ongoing bilateral efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security architecture and align it with global standards. Speaking after the inspection tour, Ullmer acknowledged the progress made by Nigeria over the years, noting that the partnership between both countries continues to yield measurable improvements.

“We have maintained a longstanding partnership with Nigeria dating back to the PICOMSS era, and what we are seeing today reflects notable progress in port security compliance. While there is still work to be done, the improvements across the facilities visited are significant, and we remain committed to deepening collaboration with NIMASA,” he said.

On his part, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stressed that the agency is prioritising the closure of identified gaps to ensure Nigeria achieves full compliance with international maritime security standards. He noted that intensified engagement with the US Coast Guard is critical to securing the complete removal of the Condition of Entry placed on Nigerian vessels.

“NIMASA remains fully committed to working closely with the United States Coast Guard to strengthen Nigeria’s port security framework. While we have recorded significant progress, we recognise the need to do more, and we are taking proactive steps to ensure full compliance and the eventual removal of entry restrictions,” Mobereola said.

He added that the agency, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is scaling up enforcement and compliance measures across all port facilities. According to him, achieving full ISPS Code compliance will not only enhance Nigeria’s global maritime standing but also improve trade efficiency and attract greater investment into the sector.

The ongoing collaboration between NIMASA and the USCG underscores Nigeria’s renewed drive to meet international best practices, boost investor confidence, and reposition its ports for greater competitiveness in global shipping.