Fears and apprehension over possible international sanction against Nigeria by the United States and other trading allies for non compliance with the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) were dispelled at the weekend as the US Coast Guard backs Nigeria's efforts towards total compliance with the security code.
Leader of the US Coast Guard team, which was on the second leg of its security assessment visit of Nigeria's seaports and other facilities, Mr. Tivo Romero, told the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria's designated agency on the implementation of the code at the weekend, that the agency is on track in terms of getting Nigerian seaport facilities to comply.
Romero, who spoke during a meeting with members of the ISPS Code Implementation Committee at the weekend in Lagos, disclosed that the team has visited six port facilities in the country, during which it observed that Nigeria has made tremendous improvements in ISPS Code compliance since the team last visit the country about four months ago.
He, however, commended NIMASA for its handling of the facility operators, which accounts for the level of improvements recorded in the ports facilities in the country.
The team leader assured that the US Government will assist Nigeria technically and in terms of putting the right legal framework for total compliance with the code.
He said: "I must commend the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency for its efforts so far. However, the United States Coast Guard will provide required technical assistance to ensure that infrastructural and legal instruments needed for effective implementation of the ISPS Code in Nigeria were put in place.
I urge you all to see this project as a voyage which we have all embarked on, that must be concluded", he said.
The US Coast Guard team that visited Nigeria included technical experts whose report will be submitted to its headquarters for onward official communication to the Federal Government.
Meanwhile, Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, who received the team, expressed gratitude for the support so far received from the US in Nigeria's bid to comply with the security code. According to him, the implementation of the ISPS Code in Nigeria requires the support of all stakeholders.
The Director General, who was represented by the Executive Director in charge of Cabotage and Shipping Development, Mr. Callistus Obi, however urged seaport terminal operators and other relevant stakeholders to see NIMASA as partners in progress, whose ultimate goal is to make their facilities a better and safer place for business in the interest of the Nigerian economy.
