NIMASA shuts ShellPlux, TMDK terminals over security code violation

By Samuel Benjamin 

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in its role as the designated authority for implementing the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Nigeria, has closed ShellPlux and TMDK Terminals, both located in the Ijegun-Egba area of Lagos State.

Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, in a statement, said the enforcement action follows persistent non-compliance by the facilities with the provisions of the ISPS Code, despite several formal warnings.

According to him, the move aligns 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.

Speaking on the development, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He said: “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 further said that the facilities would be reopened once all compliance requirements are satisfactorily met, acknowledging their important role in service delivery and trade facilitation.

He added: “The 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

“The ISPS Code, an amendment to the SOLAS Convention, was developed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to enhance maritime and port security, particularly for facilities engaged in international trade.”

Meanwhile, in a statement, TMDK denied any breach of compliance obligations, insisting that it acted in good faith and responded to all security directives issued by the maritime regulator.

“Contrary to the impression created, TMDK has never at any time deliberately disregarded compliance directives or security protocols,” the statement reads.

“We acknowledge the essential role NIMASA plays as the Designated Authority under the ISPS Code in ensuring the safety and security of port facilities across Nigeria. However, we believe the action taken against TMDK stems from a mischaracterization of our compliance status.

“TMDK has engaged constructively with NIMASA over the past months and has, in good faith, responded to all correspondences and recommendations from the Agency.

“Any minor lapses identified were promptly addressed, and at no point were we under formal notice that we had exceeded the three-month window of non-compliance that could trigger a shutdown under Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations, 2014.”

The terminal operator said over the past six months, it implemented major upgrades to its port security infrastructure, including the installation of advanced access control systems and surveillance technologies — in line with international best practices.

TMDK added that prior to the enforcement action, it was preparing a formal request for a re-inspection of its facility. It is disheartening that enforcement was initiated before this re-inspection could be carried out,” the terminal operator said.

“TMDK is a law-abiding and security-conscious operator that has consistently contributed to Nigeria’s port and maritime ecosystem. While we do not wish to escalate this matter publicly, we are compelled to defend our operational integrity and correct public misperceptions.

“We remain fully committed to all statutory requirements under the ISPS Code and request NIMASA to conduct an immediate re-evaluation of our facility with a view to lifting the shutdown and restoring normal terminal operations.”

TMDK further said its terminal plays a vital role in the movement of essential cargo within Nigeria and across the region, warning that the ongoing shutdown has far-reaching implications on supply chain efficiency and trade facilitation.

The company was optimistic that a prompt and objective resolution can be reached in the interest of national maritime development and stakeholder confidence.

“TMDK Terminals remains a willing partner in the national quest for secure, compliant, and efficient maritime facilities,” the statement added.

The terminal operator urged NIMASA to engage stakeholders in a spirit of mutual respect and openness, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime security in line with international standards.