Dr. Zebulon Ikokide (President NIFF)
Dr. Zebulon Ikokide (President NIFF)
I would say that Nigeria deserved the sanction because you know the US Coast Guard are the people who started this ISPS code in the first place, Nigeria needs to work towards its perfection at our ports by putting all facilities in place that will help safeguard our lives and ships at the ports. 1st of July 2014 marked 10 years that the implementation of the ISPS Code started in Nigeria, and I believe that NIMASA as the designated authority has sensitized major operators on the usefulness of the ISPS code as it concerns safety and security at the port.
Babalola Temitope (Stakeholder)
For the US to sanction Nigerian over the ISPS code, I think the reason is best known to them, since they made their investigations and found out that Nigeria is not complying and our terminals are not up to international standard, they feel it is unhealthy and not safe, if drastic measures had not been taken, Nigeria would not have taken the ISPS code implementation seriously. I will also advice the government that we should follow in the footstep of other developed countries which have subscribed fully to this code so as to make sure that other people who are bringing their vessel into our country will be assured that their vessel is safe at our ports.
Major Henry Ajetumobi (rtd) (Stakeholder)
I would say that Nigeria do not deserve to be sanctioned, I think what Nigeria really needs is an encouragement and also a reminder of where they are lagging behind, and then be challenged to improve upon them. The ISPS code has an obligation, an international obligation which is to put in place certain measures that will help upgrade the security of not only the ships but also our ports. We are challenged because the bad guys are innovating daily; the government also needs to wake up so as to evaluate, and to continue accessing the level of threat so far in our immediate environment in order to counter them.
Umar B. Muhammad (Port Security Officer, TCIP)
The reason we were sanctioned was because the Nigerian government needed to put every facility in order, so that our coastline will be safe for trading. Also, NIMASA needs to set aside a task force in other for them to monitor the enforcement of the code at the ports, and to also make sure that other foreign investors are sure that our oil jetties are safe.
Subaru Anataku (Chairman PFSO Forum)
It is a two way thing, but I will say Nigeria does not deserve it. We might not have got to the level we are looking for, but I categorically tell you that since the ISPS code started, we have been trying our best to make sure we meet up to its required standard. The DA is doing very well so as to make us comply with the code, it is just a matter of time before we can actualize it. They have been coming to check the port on a regular basis, so I believe within a short time we shall meet the ISPS code standard.
Chima Sampson (Registrar NIS)
The complaint by the US Coast Guard on Nigerian jetties came as a result of insecurity in the country, the bomb explosion that rocked Apapa alone is enough for the security officers at the various jetties around the port to tighten up their security, therefore what the US Coast Guard did by exposing those jetties that are yet to comply, is laudable because it is for the betterment of the maritime industry. I want a situation whereby the concerned authorities would monitor activities around their facilities effectively and ensure strict compliance to the ISPS code.
Tunji Obagbo (POTEMAN)
I think it is not proper for another country like the US to come down and report our lapses in the area of security at the waterfronts, because it is supposed to be our own civic responsibility to do what is right.As a maritime nation, the ISPS code is very important because it preaches best security practices, it is therefore the duty of regulatory agency like NIMASA to ensure that our jetties comply with the ISPS code, if they cannot do this, then there will be need to float a new body that will be proactive and at the same time can also do it. In a nutshell, I think we need to put our house in order rather than another nation coming to tell us where we got it wrong.
Mazi Joseph Anabaroanye (Registrar FFAN)
It is indeed necessary for our jetties to comply to the ISPS code because at any point, a terrorist might gain entrance and do something nasty, again, the waterfronts are not supposed to be exposed to these kind of people and that is why it is important to know that there should be adequate security at the ports. Again there should be strict compliance by people and vehicles that want to gain access into the terminals or jetties, which I see as a way to create strict condition to port users. However the US Coast Guard did well in that regard, because they want the agency involved to know and act fast.
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