Vincent Toritseju
28 August 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos — THE International Maritime Organisation has commenced moves to strengthen Nigeria’s implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security, ISPS Code convention of the of the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, saying that said that terrorism will remain a global phenomenon for a long time.
Disclosing this at a five days training programme on port anti-terrorism in Lagos yesterday, 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.
Similarly, NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside said that the over ninety percent achievement of the implementation of the Code was due to the support of the IMO.
Peterside also said that NIMASA has steadily increased its compliance level amongst ISPS applicable facilities adding that its officers have been able to guide compliance and boost awareness levels in the maritime security environment.
He 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 are determined to provide safe and secure ports for the conduct of maritime and economic activities and will leave no stone unturned to accomplish this.
The executive director of 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.