MASPAN Urges NIMASA to Strengthen ISPS Enforcement

The Maritime Security Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) has criticised what it describes as weak enforcement of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The group is demanding that NIMASA activate a full vendor-licensing regime to bolster maritime security.

MASPAN officials argue that security gaps exist because many port facility service providers operate without proper vetting, accreditation or licensing under a formal NIMASA framework. They say this undermines port safety and exposes Nigeria’s coastal infrastructure to risk.

Citing recent facility shutdowns by NIMASA including the closure of two terminals for ISPS non-compliance , MASPAN called for a more robust regulatory regime. The group believes that rigorous vendor licensing would help to professionalise port service delivery, reduce security lapses, and increase accountability across maritime operations.

The association also called on NIMASA to create a full-fledged maritime security directorate within the agency. MASPAN argued that the current ISPS unit, in its view, lacks the institutional capacity, leadership and dedicated infrastructure to enforce complex security standards across Nigerian ports.

MASPAN’s proposal includes strict certification and periodic inspections of all service providers, security training and accreditation for vendors, and enhanced surveillance and auditing at ISPS-regulated facilities. The group said these reforms are necessary to align Nigeria’s port security with international norms.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola