TMDK Terminals Ltd. has denied allegations of persistent non-compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, calling on the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to lift the recent shutdown of its facility following what it described as significant security upgrades.
In a statement released on Thursday, the terminal operator said it had “never at any time deliberately disregarded compliance directives or security protocols.” The company maintained that its operations had been in line with applicable maritime security standards and that any lapses had been minor and immediately addressed.
Responding to NIMASA’s recent enforcement action, TMDK argued that the shutdown was based on a “mischaracterisation of our compliance status.” It stated that it had actively engaged with the agency and responded to all correspondence in good faith.
“We were never under formal notice that we had exceeded the three-month window of non-compliance that could trigger a shutdown under Section 79(f) of the ISPS Code Implementation Regulations, 2014,” the statement noted.
TMDK said it had invested heavily in improving its port security systems over the past six months, including the installation of modern access control mechanisms and surveillance infrastructure.
According to the company, a formal request for re-inspection by NIMASA was in preparation prior to the enforcement action. “It is disheartening that enforcement was initiated before this re-inspection could be carried out,” it added.
The operator emphasised the urgency of restoring operations, citing the terminal’s role in handling key cargo for both domestic and regional supply chains. It warned that the ongoing closure was already affecting trade facilitation and port logistics.
While stressing its preference for resolution through internal dialogue, TMDK said it was “compelled to defend our operational integrity and correct public misperceptions.”
The company urged NIMASA to conduct an immediate reassessment of its facility and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding all statutory maritime security requirements. It also called for sustained stakeholder collaboration to enhance Nigeria’s maritime safety in line with global standards.
“TMDK Terminals remains a willing partner in the national quest for secure, compliant, and efficient maritime facilities,” the statement concluded.
