By Gbenga Oke

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, yesterday said it had begun total compliance with the provisions of the International Ships and Ports Facility code, ISPS.

The agency also said it had taken stern measures against some facilities namely Heyden Petroleum Jetty, Index Petroleum Oil Jetty, Waziri Jetty operated by Hemsmor Nigeria Limited, NIPCO in Lagos, while the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Petroleum, Warri, Delta State was also affected by the action.

In a statement by Isichei Osamgbi, Head, Corporate Communications,  NIMASA said that the sealed facilities had failed to implement physical and operational security measures on their premises which posed  great danger to the ships that call at their jetties and facilities.

“The exercise which lasted for about three hours was led by the Head of the ISPS Code Unit of the Agency, Captain Elei Igbogi and the affected jetties were given adequate notice to correct the anomalies identified but they did not hence the Agency had no other option than to seal the facilities until they implement the minimum ISPS Code standards.

“The Dakuku Peterside led management of NIMASA is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the provisions of the ISPS Code with the aim of achieving 100 percent implementation so that vessels calling at our ports can be assured of safety.”