NIMASA, together with Nigeria, received praise from the United States Coast Guard for implementing the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code.
During the tour of Nigerian port facilities by Joe Prince Larson of the US Coast Guard leadership team from the International Port Security Programme the organization released public information about the ISPS Code implementation.
Beforehand, the team completed their evaluation by inspecting Dangote Port and Lekki Free Trade Zones in Lekki Lagos State and the port facilities managed by Matrix Energy and Julius Berger in Warri Delta State.
During his assessment report presentation to NIMASA Management, Larson emphasized that Nigeria shows one of the globally exceptional levels of compliance with the ISPS Code.
The findings will be submitted to US Coast Guard leadership while he maintains confidence that NIMASA will sustain its existing high standards.
ALSO READ
Our delegation visited Matrix and Julius Berger in Warri, Delta State and proceeded to inspect Lekki Deep Seaport and Dangote Port in Lagos before concluding that all the facilities showed excellent performance. Nigeria demonstrates a thorough knowledge of ISPS Code implementation which matches the standards observed in leading maritime nations worldwide. The team would convey results to US Coast Guard headquarters for their records.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola as Director General of NIMASA reiterated his commitment to preserve enhanced port compliance at all Nigerian ports.
He said: “I must express my happiness at the positive feedback we have received from the USCG delegation as it serves as reward for the Federal Government’s commitment to the develop of the sector, and the work of the Agency, under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, to ensure international standards are adhered to in the area of port security”.
The USCG has consistently partnered with NIMASA to conduct on-the-spot assessments of the compliance level of Nigerian ports with the ISPS Code. These evaluations, which commenced last year as part of a three-year plan, are geared towards providing actionable insights and data-based decisions to lift the Condition of Entry (CoE) placed on vessels departing Nigeria for the United States of America.
