By Folashade Alli
Following the 90-day ultimatum by the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard, the Association of Nigerian Marine Engineers and Surveyors (AMES) has called for the implementation of an appropriate administrative process on the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS), warning that Nigeria could not afford to be sanctioned over issues of ISPS code non implementation.
Speaking during a courtesy visit in Lagos at the International Press Centre of Maritime Reporter’s Association of Nigeria (MARAN), President of AMES, Mr. Charles Nwadia, said there is an urgent need for the involvement of other relevant agencies aside the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), especially now that we have 21 days to the ultimatum.
He said: “A deeper administration process on the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) not just NIMASA alone, and a follow up that will build a concrete foundation to security on our territorial waterways will go a long way in addressing our present situation
“It requires that owners of port facilities and ships must ensure their facilities comply with the requirements of the code under the watchful eyes of NIMASA” However, he advised the apex maritime regulatory body NIMASA to address the issue of multiplicity of government agencies at the port using the portability methods for the nation’s compliance on ISPS code. Lamenting, he noted that the security and survelliance of the nation’s port and territorial waters should not only be changed but also given urgent attention. “NIMASA should embark on an accelarated national reform that will not only demonstrate its authority but provides foundation for sustainable administration. “NIMASA should look into portability of the ISPS code by centralising all its relevant agencies to ensure that security is optimum”.
