The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said on Monday in Lagos that the agency is determined to ensure that all ships and ports facilities in Nigeria comply fully with the provision of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
The code, which was developed after 9/11 terrorist attack in US, is a proactive approach to preventing the reoccurence of terrorism attack through the maritime sector.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 5-day Advanced Drills and Exercises Workshop organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for NIMASA’s ISPS implementing officers, Dakuku Peterside, director general of NIMASA commended IMO for providing the agenecy with the needed technical support for ensuring effective compliance of Nigerian port facility.
DG, who was represented by Gambo Ahmed, executive director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, said that NIMASA has increased its compliance levels among ISPS facilities and also increased the awareness levels.
“We do not wish to rest on our laurels as the zeal to acquire 100 percent in all port facilities can only be achieved if officers are technically equipped and updated on international standards required for ISPS Code implementation.
Appreciating IMO for providing the platform for knowledge sharing, the NIMASA boss assured that NIMASA is determined to provide safe and secure ports for the conduct of maritime and economic activities on Nigerian waters.
Rotimi Fashakin, executive director operations of NIMASA disclosed Nigeria’s achievement has not only receieved the endorsement of peer review partners, but the commendations of the US Coast Guard.
“Nigeria was about 13 percent compliance when NIMASA was given the responsibility of maritime security as designated authority, but today, Nigerian port facilities under NIMASA, has achieved 90 percent compliance in 2017,” he said.
Noting that NIMASA has over 123 port facilities to cater for under tight budgetary allocation, Fashakin said that the agency has created a new crop of maritime professionals called the Recognised Securiy Organisations, who’s efforts complement that of NIMASA in carrying out mandatory ISPS Code inspection.
“This has generated employment in line with the Federal Government’s co0mmittment to create jobs and alleviate poverty.”
Brain Cranmer, IMO’s lead consultant, who disclosed that IMO earmark some funds, which is generated from other member countries for the purpose of funding training programmes in countries like Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a member of the IMO because is a maritime nation and member nations contribute to funding programme, which is used to help develop capacity among countries,” he added.
Cranmer, who stated that the programme was also designed to find out how far NIMASA has further its maritime security, said that the training will center on Advanced Drills and Exercises.
Source: Business day
