Amaechi: Nigeria’s ISPS Code Compliance Level Now 79.3 %
Nigeria’s compliance level to the implementation of the implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is now 79.3 per cent, the Minister of Transportation, Right Hon.Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has said.
The present compliance level in the country on the implementation of the ISPS Code is a sharp contrast to the 9 per cent it recorded in 2013.
The poor performance of the country in the implementation of the ISPS Code which remains one of the key instruments put in place by the global maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) compelled the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to threaten that ocean going vessels will no longer call in Nigerian ports until she complied with the provisions of the code.
Though Nigeria eventually escaped the hammer as then Federal Government led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan used several channels to make the United States Government to change its mind but stringent restrictions were placed on some jetties and terminals in the country.
In a statement obtained by THISDAY reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maritime security through the full implementation of the ISPS Code, even as he appealed to the USCG to lift the sanctions it placed on some jetties and terminals which were found deficient two years ago in complying with the Code.
Amaechi was said to have made the commitment and appeal when he led a delegation to the headquarters of USCG in Washington DC.
He expressed government’s appreciation for the support of the USCG in implementing the ISPS code in Nigeria and assured the international shipping community that the country is committed to the full implementation of the code to safeguard the maritime domain.
He disclosed that since taking over the implementation of the ISPS code as the Designated Authority (DA) in Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has performed creditably well.
“Nigeria appreciates the efforts and support of the United States Government in encouraging a cordial bilateral relationship with Nigeria not only in the area of maritime security but also in other areas. I want to assure the US Coast Guard and indeed the international shipping community of Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the ISPS code to further institute a strict security regime in our maritime environment”, he said.
He enjoined the US government to revisit the Condition of Entry (COE) earlier placed on vessels that have called some port facilities in Nigeria which were not compliant with the code saying that over 80 per cent of those facilities have since complied with the code and needed to be removed from the COE list.
Receiving the delegation, the Assistant Commandant of the USCG, Rear Admiral Paul Thomas expressed his country’s determination to continue to support Nigeria in its goal of full implementation of the ISPS code.