Port Security: US Coast Guard Lauds Nigeria's Compliance Level. We will sustain the momentum - NIMASA DG




The USCG delegation was on a working tour of Port facilities across the country as part of assessment of ISPS Code compliance.


According to a press statement signed by the Assistant Director, Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward, Nigeria's level of compliance on the USPS Code is very high and will likely impact positively on the country's rating by the USCG.


Leading the team was Joe Prince Larson, an experienced maritime security expert with years of assessing port facilities across the world. Alongside his colleagues, he visited key maritime hubs, from the sprawling Lekki Free Trade Zone and the Dangote Port in Lagos to the private terminals of Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State. What they found was more than just compliance—it was a nation redefining its maritime security landscape.

Standing before the management team of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Larson delivered an assessment that would bring a sense of pride to the country’s maritime stakeholders.

"Nigeria’s compliance with the ISPS Code ranks among the best globally," he declared. His words carried weight, not just because they came from an international authority, but because they reflected years of effort and reform in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

For Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director-General of NIMASA, this validation was more than just a commendation—it was proof that Nigeria’s hard work was paying off. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized the country’s commitment to sustaining and even exceeding these security standards.
"This positive feedback is a testament to the Federal Government’s dedication to the maritime sector. Under the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, we remain committed to ensuring our ports adhere to international best practices," he stated confidently.

But behind the accolades was a larger goal: lifting the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on Nigerian vessels traveling to the United States. This restriction had long been a hurdle for Nigerian shipping, requiring additional security measures that slowed down trade and increased costs. The recent progress suggested that Nigeria was on the brink of a breakthrough, with the potential to ease the movement of goods and boost the nation’s economy.

As the USCG team prepared to leave, Larson reassured NIMASA that their findings would be reported to the leadership of the US Coast Guard, potentially paving the way for further collaboration and improved international trade relations.

For Nigeria, the message was clear—its ports were no longer just regional hubs but rising global players in maritime security and commerce.

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