USCG SUPPORT BOOSTS NIGERIA PORT SECURITY COMPLIANCE AS NIMASA DG HAILS PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED STATES

USCG SUPPORT BOOSTS NIGERIA PORT SECURITY COMPLIANCE AS NIMASA DG HAILS PARTNERSHIP WITH UNITED STATES
By prince Benson Davies
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency has restated its commitment to strengthening port security in line with international standards as the United States Coast Guard continues to provide technical support for improved compliance with provisions of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security Code.

A delegation from the United States Coast Guard, led by the Chief of International Port Security Operations, Mr Bryan Ullmer, was in Nigeria on a five day assessment visit to key port facilities in Lagos. The team inspected Rano, PTML, Five Star Logistics Terminal, Standard Flour Mill and NNPC Jetty to evaluate the level of compliance of the facilities with the ISPS Code.

Speaking after the facility tour, Ullmer commended the progress made by Nigeria over the years. He noted that the partnership between both countries has yielded tangible improvements in maritime security. He said the United States Coast Guard has maintained a longstanding partnership with Nigeria dating back to the PICOMSS era, and what was observed during the visit reflects measurable progress in port security compliance. He added that while there is still work to be done, the improvements across the facilities visited are significant. He stated that the United States Coast Guard remains committed to deepening collaboration with NIMASA to achieve full alignment with international maritime security standards.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, reiterated the agency’s resolve to sustain the momentum and address all identified gaps to ensure Nigeria meets global best practices. He said NIMASA remains fully committed to working closely with the United States Coast Guard to strengthen Nigeria’s port security architecture. He recognised that while notable progress has been made, more effort is required. He said the agency will continue to engage proactively to ensure the complete removal of the Condition of Entry on Nigerian bound vessels.

Dr Mobereola also emphasised that the agency, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is intensifying efforts to enhance compliance across all port facilities. He noted that achieving full compliance will not only improve Nigeria’s global maritime reputation but also boost trade and investment opportunities.

The ongoing collaboration between NIMASA and the United States Coast Guard forms part of broader efforts to align Nigeria’s maritime security framework with international standards, thereby enhancing the country’s competitiveness in the global maritime space.