By Godwin Oritse

Some terminal operators that have fallen short of the requirement of the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, (ISPS) Code have escaped the sledge hammer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA).

NIMASA is the Designated Authority appointed during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan to implement the ISPS Code in Nigeria.

Disclosing this at the monthly meeting of the Port Facility Security Officers, (PFSO) Forum, an official of NIMASA warned that any terminal operator found wanting with regards to the ISPS Code implementation will not be spared. The official noted that the agency has been busy to ensure that terminals enforce the Code in their facilities.

Part of the report reads: “The Designated Authority had been busy on enforcements on Facilities and Terminals. Some of them were lucky to have escaped fines. The DA deals with both the managements and the PFSOs of Terminal/Facilities and as such there should be serious implementation of the ‘’CODE” by the PFSOs and the documentation of every discussion with their managements on the implementations of the code; that the DA position on non-implementations should also be communicated to them.”

The DA’s representative encouraged the members of the Forum to live up to their expectations and endeavour to avoid fines for non-compliance.

He also appealed to them to communicate every challenge in enforcing compliance to Committee with a view to receiving prompt attention.

Speaking in similar vein, Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Suberu Anataku commended the DA’s representative for their regular attendance of the Forum and their timely advice.

Anataku assured the DA that members of the Forum will continue to give what support in ensuring a safer and more secured port environment.