The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has commended Nigeria for its significant progress in implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
Joe Prince Larson, who led a team from the International Port Security Programme on a working tour of Nigerian ports, praised the country’s compliance with the ISPS Code, ranking it among the best globally.
The USCG team assessed several port facilities, including the Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Lagos, as well as private facilities operated by Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State.
Larson expressed confidence in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency’s (NIMASA) ability to maintain the high standards attained so far.
NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the positive feedback, attributing the progress to the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the maritime sector.
He assured that NIMASA would continue to support efforts to improve standards in the Nigerian maritime industry, particularly in port security.
The USCG and NIMASA have been collaborating on on-the-spot assessments of Nigerian ports’ compliance with the ISPS Code.
These evaluations aim to provide actionable insights and data-driven decisions to lift the Condition of Entry (CoE) placed on vessels departing Nigeria for the United States.
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