The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has expressed praise for Nigeria’s significant progress in implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code, a vital global standard for securing maritime ports and facilities. The recognition comes after an extensive inspection tour of several key port facilities across Nigeria, conducted by a delegation from the USCG’s International Port Security Programme.
Joe Prince Larson, a representative of the US Coast Guard, led the delegation, which visited prominent ports including Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Lagos, as well as private facilities operated by Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State. The purpose of the visit was to assess the level of compliance with the ISPS Code, which sets international standards for securing ports and ships against potential threats, including terrorism and criminal activities.
During the visit, Larson shared his team’s findings with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the primary regulatory body overseeing maritime security in Nigeria. In his interim report, Larson praised Nigeria for achieving high compliance with the ISPS Code, ranking the country among the top maritime nations globally in terms of port security.
“We had the pleasure of visiting Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State, and then proceeding to the Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Port in Lagos,” Larson said. “The overall assessment was highly positive. The level of compliance we observed is on par with some of the best maritime nations globally.”
Larson also noted that Nigeria’s efforts in maintaining security at its ports reflect a strong commitment to international maritime standards, which is vital for promoting safety and facilitating global trade. His team’s findings are expected to be conveyed to the leadership of the US Coast Guard, which is likely to further reinforce Nigeria’s standing as a responsible member of the global maritime community.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General of NIMASA, expressed his satisfaction with the positive feedback from the USCG delegation. He highlighted that the progress was the result of a concerted effort by the Federal Government, as well as the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, led by Minister Adegboyega Oyetola.
Dr. Mobereola emphasized that the recognition from the USCG serves as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to improving maritime security. He reaffirmed NIMASA’s dedication to maintaining the high standards of port security already achieved, ensuring that the country continues to meet international expectations and remain competitive in global trade.
“This acknowledgment by the US Coast Guard is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the Federal Government, as well as the commitment of NIMASA to ensure that Nigeria’s ports are secure and in line with international standards,” Mobereola said.
The Director-General also underscored the importance of sustaining these achievements. He noted that the improved security infrastructure not only enhances the safety of Nigerian ports but also boosts investor confidence in the country’s maritime industry, which is a key driver of the national economy.
Nigeria’s push to improve port security is a critical part of the country’s broader maritime policy, aimed at enhancing its standing as a leading shipping and logistics hub in West Africa. The Nigerian government, through NIMASA, has made substantial investments in upgrading port security infrastructure, training personnel, and adopting advanced technologies to monitor and safeguard port facilities.
The implementation of the ISPS Code at Nigerian ports is part of Nigeria’s efforts to secure its maritime borders and ensure the safe movement of goods and people. This is especially crucial given the country’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, a region that has been prone to piracy and other maritime security challenges in recent years.
The government’s focus on port security aligns with its commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth through the Blue Economy, which seeks to maximize the potential of the oceans and waterways for economic development, environmental sustainability, and job creation.
The USCG’s visit and the resulting praise for Nigeria’s progress in port security further reinforce the importance of international collaboration in achieving maritime safety and security. Nigeria’s successful implementation of the ISPS Code is a key example of how collaboration between national authorities and international partners can lead to tangible improvements in global maritime security.
As part of its partnership with the USCG and other international organizations, NIMASA has worked to ensure that Nigeria’s ports comply with the best practices in maritime security. This collaboration helps Nigeria stay ahead of emerging threats and remain responsive to global security concerns.
The praise from the USCG also highlights the successful relationship between Nigeria and its international partners, particularly in the areas of security and trade. The country’s adherence to the ISPS Code has significantly improved its maritime security posture, which has positive implications for trade, investment, and regional stability.
While the USCG’s assessment has been overwhelmingly positive, there are still challenges to overcome. Like many other countries, Nigeria faces the task of continuously upgrading its port security infrastructure to keep pace with evolving threats. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing capacity building and training of security personnel to ensure they remain effective in identifying and mitigating risks.
