NIMASA Wades Into Apapa Customs Comptroller’s Attack On ABTL Staff

•    Says No One Is Above the ISPS Code Dictates
 
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced investigations into the recent assault on some employees of the Apapa Bulk Terminal, allegedly on the orders of the Customs Area Controller; Mr Charles Edike.

•    Says No One Is Above the ISPS Code Dictates
 
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commenced investigations into the recent assault on some employees of the Apapa Bulk Terminal, allegedly on the orders of the Customs Area Controller; Mr Charles Edike.
Shipping Position Daily had reported exclusively last week that nine staff of ABTL were detained after officers of  Apapa customs command invaded the terminal on account of an alleged refusal to allow the customs controller make use of the terminal’s facility as a thoroughfare.
The enraged customs officers also allegedly vandalized some offices at the terminal.
Our investigations revealed that, the terminal operator’s action was actually instigated by a letter from NIMASA in which it called the attention of ABTL to the breach of ISPS Code by allowing unrestricted use of its facilities as a thoroughfare.  The letter which was made available to our correspondent was dated September 25, 2014, and signed by NIMASA ‘s executive director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development; Capt Ezekiel Agaba.
Claiming to be acting on intelligence report, the letter specifically cautioned ABTL against further violation.
In the letter which was addressed to the ABTL managing director and attentioned the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) , NIMASA, said: ‘In the light of the above, you are hereby requested to put a stop to  to this practice  with immediate effect, failing which we shall have no option than to withdraw maritime services from your facility for breach of ISPS Code”  
Sources close to the three parties confirmed to our correspondent that,  NIMASA was infuriated that, ABTL personnel were beaten up, even though they were acting on the instruction of the ISPS Code Designated Authourity (DA).  
Since the alleged assault, NIMASA has ordered a full report and also commenced investigations into the matter. Shipping Position Daily also learnt that the supervisory ministry of transport has also directed the DA to  furnish it with its findings .