The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has rated the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) 78 per cent compliant on the implementation of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
This is even as NIMASA has assured all vessels calling at Nigerian Ports of their security and safety.
This was disclosed by the Director General of the agency; Dr Dakuku Peterside at the opening ceremony of a training on International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) compliance which held in Lagos on Monday.
Dr Peterside observed that skilled, efficient and talented workers are critical to the growth of the maritime sector assuring NIMASA will continually equip its staff with new knowledge, skills and technologies necessary to ensure compliance with the ISPS Code.
According to the DG, “our people and values are hallmarks of a good and strong organization. Recognizing that our greatest asset is our people, the leadership of the maritime industry in Nigeria, is committed to building a skilled, talented and effective workforce. That is why we take advantage of every training programme to equip our people and prepare them for new challenges that come up daily in the course of carrying out their assignments”.
He said Nigeria, as a maritime nation take the issue of safety and security seriously.
"Nigeria as a maritime nation takes the issue of security very seriously that is why we are also taking issue of enforcement of ISPS code seriously because it is crucial to the work we do.
"Therefore, all we can say to all those who call in our ports is to be assured of their safety and their security."
Peterside stated that the country has a pass mark in the compliance level of ISPS code implementation in Nigeria.
"As at last count, we are rated 78 per cent compliance level in ISPS Code implementation. No nation's has hit the 100 percent mark but we hope to be in the 90 per cent range any moment from now and any time a new assessment is done. But I think we are doing well in implementation of ISPS Code in the country."
The DG also stated that the training would help build capacity of the agency's staff in enforcement and implementation of the code.
While assuring the participants that the training will be continuous, Dr. Peterside also said that NIMASA, as the Designated Authority (DA) for the implementation of ISPS Code, will work with local and international stakeholders to develop quality industry specific training for its staff, to enhance their performance and productivity in the line of duty.
"The training is to help build capacity of our people in the area of enforcement and implementation of ISPS code.
"Like we said the best way to build an organisation is to build people with talent, skills, knowledge and talent and this have to be on a continuous basis.
"The training will avail all participants with a good insight of the Destination Authority (DA) implementation process and a forum for deliberation on contemporary issues related to ensuring compliance by port facilities."
The DG said the training was to sustain the positive trajectory of the ISPS video as recommended by the IMO.
"To sustain the positive trajectory of the process, the IMO recommended additional training for key NIMASA personnel and stakeholders in the implementation of the provisions of the code.
The ISPS Code training which is being facilitated by consultants from the IMO for the staff of NIMASA, NIWA, NPA and the Federal Ministry of Transportation, involved in its implementation, is intended to bridge the knowledge gaps and strengthen the code's execution in Nigeria.
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