The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has commended Nigeria for its remarkable progress in implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code. This endorsement comes after a thorough assessment of Nigerian ports by a USCG team led by Joe Prince Larson .
Larson’s team visited several terminals and ports, including the Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Lagos, as well as private port facilities in Warri, Delta State.
The team’s findings revealed that Nigeria’s compliance with the ISPS Code ranks among the best globally, with the level of compliance observed to be at par with some of the best maritime nations ².
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, expressed his delight at the positive feedback, stating that it serves as a reward for the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the sector.
Mobereola assured that NIMASA would sustain the momentum and continue to support efforts to improve standards in the Nigerian maritime industry .
The USCG’s endorsement is a significant milestone for Nigeria, as it demonstrates the country’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its ports.
The partnership between the USCG and NIMASA has been instrumental in enhancing Nigeria’s port security, with the ultimate goal of lifting the Condition of Entry (CoE) placed on vessels departing Nigeria for the United States .
