NIMASA reviews Ship-Port security protocols
By Oluwabunmi Ogunjimi
IN a bid to strengthen security at Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced a review of security protocols governing interactions between ships and port facilities.
In a notice issued to all maritime security stakeholders, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) stated that all vessels are required to submit their Security-Related Pre-Arrival Information (SR-PAI) at least 72 hours before entering Nigerian waters.
Part of the notice stated that the new protocol requires vessels to provide key details, including the vessel’s name, port of registry, International Maritime Organization (IMO) number, and the name of the port facility.
In the notice, it was stated that the revised security protocol requires the ship and port facility to jointly ensure the effective performance of all security duties. It also mandates the monitoring of restricted areas to prevent unauthorised access, control of access to both the port facility and the vessel, and continuous surveillance of berthing areas and the surroundings of the ship.
The protocol further covers the secure handling of cargo, delivery of ship’s stores, management of unaccompanied baggage, control of the embarkation of persons and their personal effects, and the maintenance of effective security communication between the ship and the port facility at all times.
NIMASA however warned that the submission of false, misleading, or incomplete information in the declaration could constitute an offence under the Maritime (ISPS Code) Implementation Regulations, 2014, and other applicable Nigerian maritime laws.
The agency said such violations could result in delays, denial of port entry or departure clearance, enhanced security inspections, or referral for further enforcement action, without prejudice to any other legal liabilities that may arise.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Niger Delta Maritime Security Zone of the Port Facility Security Officer Forum of Nigeria (PFSOFN), Festus George, said the Forum received the Marine Notice in mid-July, outlining revised security procedures governing interactions between ships and port facilities to strengthen security across Nigerian ports.
George noted that the Marine Notice provides clear guidance to Port Facility Security Officers, introducing a more standardized protocol aimed at enhancing the safety and security of both port facilities and vessels.
He said:”On the 13th of July, we received the Marine Notice. It has to do with the formal notification of ship pre-arrival information. One of the key highlights of the Notice is the standardize form the ship Captain must fill electronically before the get to a port facility.”
According to George, vessels bound for Nigerian ports are required to submit pre-arrival security information, including details of their previous port calls, before arriving in Nigerian waters.
Part of Marine Notice reads:”This directive represents a critical step in Nigeria’s maritime security modernization.
By enforcing standardized formats and automated processing, NIMASA is reducing inefficiencies, strengthening compliance, and preparing stakeholders for a fully digital submission system.
The importance of this letter lies in its role as both a compliance mandate and a strategic roadmap toward a more secure and technologically advanced maritime environment.”
