The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has shut down ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos over non-compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NIMASA’s Head of Public Relations, Osagie Edward, said the enforcement action aligns with the agency’s mandate as Nigeria’s designated authority for implementing the ISPS Code—an International Maritime Organisation protocol under the SOLAS Convention aimed at strengthening security at ports involved in international trade.

Edward noted that the enforcement became necessary due to “persistent non-compliance by the facilities with the provisions of the ISPS Code, despite several formal warnings.”

“The move aligns with global best practices and is by 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,” Edward said.

Commenting on the development, NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain and ensuring full compliance with international security standards.

“In wielding the big stick, we acted only as a last resort. 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 jeopardise our progress,” Mobereola said.

He stated that the terminals will be allowed to resume operations once they meet all necessary compliance conditions, noting their significant contribution to trade facilitation and service delivery.

Dr. Mobereola further highlighted the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to fostering sustainable trade in a secure and supportive maritime environment.