THE International Maritime Organisation, IMO, has commenced moves to take Nigeria’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS, Code convention of the organisation, to full completion. Nigeria has already achieved 90 per cent compliance.

Peterside Dakuku

Disclosing this at a five day training programme on port anti-terrorism in Lagos, IMO’s consultant, Mr. Brian Crammer, said that IMO is interested in knowing how Nigeria has fared in the implementation of the convention adding that the training will further expose Nigerians to new anti-terrorism tactics. Crammer explained that IMO places a lot of importance on Nigeria because of the country’s strategic position in the West African sub- region.

Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said that the over ninety percent achievement of the implementation of the ISPS Code was due to the support of the IMO. He added that NIMASA has steadily increased its compliance level amongst ISPS applicable facilities, stressing that its officers have been able to guide compliance and boost awareness levels in the maritime security environment.

Peterside said, “We do not wish to rest on our laurels as the zeal to acquire 100 percent compliance in all port facilities can only be achieved if the officers are technically equipped and updated on the international standards required for ISPS Code implementation. We want to assure the IMO and the International community that NIMASA and Nigeria as a whole is determined to provide safe and secure ports for the conduct of maritime and economic activities and will leave no stone unturned to accomplish this.”

Executive director in charge marine and operations, Engr Rotimi Fashakin, said that the philosophy behind the code is the entrenchment of a system that is self-sustaining and self examining. The idea has resulted in the regular drills and exercises that are mandatory for ships and port facilities with a view to testing the integrity of the system.