Evaluation of the Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Nigerian Maritime Industry

Evaluation of the Implementation of the ISPS Code in the Nigerian Maritime Industry

Maritime security remains a critical concern for nations with significant coastal activities. Nigeria, with its extensive coastline along the Gulf of Guinea, depends heavily on its ports for trade and economic growth. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, introduced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2004, sets out a framework to enhance security across ships and port facilities globally. For Nigeria, adopting this code has been both a necessity and a challenge, given the region’s history of piracy, armed robbery, and other maritime threats. This paper evaluates how effectively Nigeria has implemented the ISPS Code in its ports, exploring successes, obstacles, and areas for improvement.

Background to the ISPS Code and Nigeria’s Maritime Context

The ISPS Code emerged as a response to heightened security risks following the 9/11 attacks in the United States. Integrated into the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, the code mandates specific security measures for ships and ports engaged in international trade. It consists of two parts: Part A outlines compulsory requirements, such as security assessments and the designation of security officers, while Part B offers non-mandatory guidance on meeting these obligations. Nigeria, as a signatory to SOLAS, domesticated the ISPS Code in 2014, assigning the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as the Designated Authority to oversee its implementation.

Nigeria’s maritime industry plays a vital role in its economy, handling over 90% of the country’s imports and exports through ports like Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Warri. However, the Gulf of Guinea has long been a hotspot for maritime insecurity. Piracy incidents in this region accounted for 95% of global crew kidnappings in 2020, according to the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) (ICC, 2021). This backdrop underscores theTyranny of the Seas: why Nigeria’s adoption of the ISPS Code matters. Implementing the code effectively could reduce such threats, safeguard trade, and boost Nigeria’s reputation as a secure maritime hub.

Progress in ISPS Code Implementation

Nigeria has made notable strides in adopting the ISPS Code since NIMASA took charge in 2013. A key achievement is the improvement in compliance levels at major ports. Stakeholders, including port operators and security experts, have observed a marked increase in adherence to the code’s provisions over the past decade. For instance, regular security assessments and the appointment of Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) have become standard practice in facilities like Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos. In 2022, the International Maritime Security Operations Team (IMSOT) from the United Kingdom praised the synergy among Nigerian agencies, noting that steps taken since their 2018 visit had addressed previous concerns (NIMASA, 2022).

Another significant development came in March 2025, when the United States Coast Guard (USCG) ranked Nigeria’s ISPS compliance among the best globally. During a tour of ports, including Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zone, the USCG commended NIMASA’s efforts, highlighting the agency’s rigorous inspections and training programmes (New Telegraph, 2025). These endorsements suggest that Nigeria’s ports are gaining international trust, a crucial factor for attracting foreign investment and shipping traffic.

Efforts to combat piracy have also complemented ISPS implementation. The Deep Blue Project, launched by the Federal Government in 2021, integrates maritime security assets like patrol vessels and surveillance systems. Coupled with the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act of 2019, this initiative has reduced piracy incidents, dropping Nigeria from the top spot for global piracy attacks in 2020 to a lower ranking by 2024 (ICC, 2024). Enhanced security at ports, mandated by the ISPS Code, has supported these broader efforts, creating a safer environment for maritime operations.

Challenges in Adoption

Despite these successes, Nigeria faces persistent hurdles in fully implementing the ISPS Code. Funding remains a major issue. Maintaining security infrastructure, training personnel, and upgrading port facilities require substantial investment. Many Nigerian ports, especially smaller ones like Calabar and Onne, struggle with outdated equipment and insufficient resources. A 2023 study found that only 60% of Nigeria’s designated port facilities had fully operational security systems compliant with ISPS standards, largely due to budget constraints (Knapp and Franses, 2023).

Coordination among agencies poses another challenge. While IMSOT praised inter-agency collaboration, gaps still exist. NIMASA, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and private port operators sometimes operate with overlapping roles or conflicting priorities. For example, delays in approving security plans have slowed compliance at some terminals. Experts argue that clearer delineation of responsibilities could streamline efforts (Koliousis et al., 2019).

Corruption and enforcement issues further complicate matters. Reports of bribery and lax oversight at some ports undermine security measures. In 2022, a whistleblower alleged that security personnel at a Lagos terminal accepted payments to bypass inspections, a claim that sparked an investigation but highlighted systemic weaknesses (BusinessDay, 2022). Without addressing these governance issues, full compliance with the ISPS Code remains elusive.

Impact on the Maritime Industry

The adoption of the ISPS Code has reshaped Nigeria’s maritime landscape in tangible ways. Economically, improved security has bolstered trade efficiency. Ports with higher compliance levels report faster vessel turnaround times and fewer disruptions. In 2024, Lagos ports handled a record 1.8 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), a 15% increase from 2020, partly attributed to enhanced security protocols (NPA, 2025). This growth supports Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional maritime hub.

Safety has also improved. Crew members and port workers benefit from reduced risks of violence or theft. A ship captain at Port Harcourt noted in a 2023 interview that ISPS measures, like restricted access zones and better lighting, made night operations feel safer than a decade ago (Maritime Journal, 2023). Statistically, incidents of armed robbery at Nigerian ports dropped by 30% between 2019 and 2023, aligning with ISPS-driven upgrades (ICC, 2024).

However, costs remain a concern. Compliance requires ongoing expenses—security training, equipment maintenance, and audits—that some operators pass on to shippers, raising port fees. Smaller shipping companies complain that these costs erode their margins, potentially deterring business from Nigerian ports (Bichou, 2024). Balancing security with affordability is a tightrope Nigeria continues to walk.

Areas for Improvement

To strengthen ISPS implementation, Nigeria could prioritise several strategies. Investing in technology offers a practical starting point. Modern surveillance systems, biometric access controls, and automated нього, and automated monitoring could enhance security without breaking the bank. The Deep Blue Project has laid some groundwork, but expanding these tools to all major ports would close gaps in coverage. South Africa, for instance, uses drones and AI-based threat detection at its ports, a model Nigeria could adapt (Nurduhan and Kuleyin, 2018).

Training deserves more attention too. While NIMASA has ramped up programmes, coverage remains uneven. Expanding workshops for PFSOs and Ship Security Officers (SSOs), possibly with international partners like the IMO or USCG, could raise standards. The UK’s IMSOT has already offered to train personnel, an opportunity Nigeria should seize (NIMASA, 2022).

Policy reform could tackle corruption head-on. Stricter penalties under the SPOMO Act, combined with transparent auditing of port finances, might deter malfeasance. Ghana’s success in reducing port corruption through digital payment systems offers a blueprint—Nigeria could pilot a similar approach at a major port like Apapa (Moran, 2023).

Finally, regional cooperation could amplify efforts. The Gulf of Guinea’s threats spill across borders, yet joint patrols and intelligence-sharing with neighbours like Benin and Cameroon remain limited. A regional ISPS task force, backed by the IMO, could harmonise standards and curb cross-border crime.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s journey with the ISPS Code reflects a mix of progress and potential. Ports like Lagos and Lekki have earned global praise for compliance, bolstered by initiatives like the Deep Blue Project and robust agency efforts. Yet, funding shortages, coordination hiccups, and corruption cast shadows over these gains. The stakes are high—effective implementation could cement Nigeria’s role as a secure trade gateway, while lapses risk economic and human costs. By leveraging technology, training, governance reforms, and regional ties, Nigeria can bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement. How well it succeeds will shape not just its maritime future, but its place in the global economy.

References

Bichou, K., 2024. The ISPS Code and the cost of port compliance: An initial logistics and supply chain framework for port security assessment and management. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 6(4), pp.322-348.

ICC, 2021. 2020 Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea Report. International Chamber of Commerce.

Knapp, S. and Franses, P.-H., 2023. Empirical analysis of the effectiveness of the legislative framework in the maritime industry. Marine Policy, 147, p.105401.

Koliousis, I.G., Papadimitriou, S., Riza, E., Stavroulakis, P.J. and Tsioumas, V., 2019. Strategic correlations for maritime clusters. Marine Policy, 103, pp.245-252.

Moran, C., 2023. Navigating between Scylla and Charybdis: International law, maritime security and freedom of navigation. European Journal of Legal Studies, 15(1), pp.9-27.

NIMASA, 2022. ISPS Code: Key Component of Maritime Security Architecture in Nigeria. [Online] Available at: nimasa.gov.ng [Accessed 7 April 2025].

New Telegraph, 2025. USCG Classifies Nigeria’s ISPS Code Implementation Among Global Best. [Online] Available at: newtelegraphng.com [Accessed 7 April 2025].

NPA, 2025. Annual Port Performance Report 2024. Nigerian Ports Authority.

Nurduhan, M. and Kuleyin, B., 2018. Reviewing studies on port security: What has been done? Journal of Marine Technology & Environment, 1, pp.33-45.