ISPS compliance: NIPCO, Heyden flout closure order by NIMASA 

Tayo Oladipupo    |    

Two out of the four oil facilities purportedly sealed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) over non-compliance with the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code have begun operations two days after NIMASA issued a release on the clampdown.

The apex maritime agency has since not issued any information on lifting of ban on the facilities neither is there any information on whether the facilities have taken steps towards complying with the directive.

On Tuesday, NIMASA said, “In continuation of its quest to ensure total compliance with the provisions of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) code, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has taken stern measures against three erring facilities namely; Heyden Petroleum Jetty, Index Petroleum Oil Jetty, Waziri Jetty operated by Hemsmor Nigeria Limited, NIPCO in Lagos, while the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Petroleum, Warri, Delta State was also affected by the action.

“Speaking during the exercise which lasted about three hours, the Head of the ISPS Code Unit of the Agency, Captain Elei Green Igbogi noted that the affected jetties were given adequate notice to correct the anomalies identified, but they did not, hence the Agency had no other option, but to seal the facilities until they implemented the minimum ISPS Code standards.

Bit on-the-spot investigation by our reporter to both NIPCO and Heyden oil facilities at Dockyard and Waziri jetties, trucks were seen going in and out of the facilities as normal activities were going on.

A top security officer at NIPCO expressed shock over the information as he said there were no stoppage of activities at the facility.

The official who is not permitted to speak with the media said that there was no difference in their operations between other days and when the sealing was purportedly carried out.


At Heyden, a lady Secretary who refused to divulge her name was surprised at our correspondent’s enquiry saying that the facility was never sealed 

Another security officer at the Heyden told our correspondent that he was not around at the time the exercise was carried out but added that it did not affect the operations of the organisation.

He said, “We are working now, I was not around when they said some people came here but it did not affect our operations. 

“As you can see operations are going on here. In fact, I worked yesterday until I was tired,” the senior security officer quipped.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director, Public Relations (DDPR),  NIMASA ,Isichei Osamgbi failed to  answer nor returned calls as at filing this report.

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