US Coast Guard Commends Nigeria’s Improved Port Security Compliance

The United States Coast Guard has acknowledged Nigeria’s significant progress in port security, applauding the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) for its effective implementation of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Joe Prince Larson, representing the US Coast Guard, led a delegation on an assessment tour of Nigerian port facilities, including Dangote Port, Lekki Free Trade Zone, Matrix Energy, and Julius Berger terminals in Warri.

Presenting an interim report, Larson confirmed that Nigeria’s ISPS Code compliance ranks among the best globally, highlighting a strong understanding of international security standards. He expressed confidence in NIMASA’s ability to sustain these achievements, noting that their findings would be reported to US Coast Guard leadership.

NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, welcomed the positive feedback, emphasizing that the assessment reflects the federal government’s dedication to strengthening the maritime sector. He reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to maintaining high security standards in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The US Coast Guard has been conducting regular security assessments of Nigerian ports as part of a three-year plan aimed at improving compliance and lifting conditions imposed on vessels traveling from Nigeria to the United States.