Lagos — As the 90-day ultimatum given by the United States of America to Nigeria to ensure that it improved on its port facilities and jetties draws nearer, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), says it has commenced the audit of all port facilities and jetties across the country.
Director General of NIMASA Patrick Akpobolokeme said in Lagos on Wednesday that all certificates for the operators had expired and a new one will be issued in September and only those who meet up with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code would be issued a fresh certificate.
“Some of the jetties and port operators had complied 100 percent, but some had not. Those who had not have been asked to do so. All certificate issued had expired and a new one will be issued in September and only those who meet up with the ISPS standard would be issued a fresh certificate,” he stated.
He revealed that the tour of port facilities and jetties was going to be an ongoing thing and that those who fails would be sanctioned while those whose facilities are up to date will be rewarded.
Akpobolokeme revealed that the audit is to ensure that ports and jetties operators meet up with all the requirements as provided by the ISPS Code.
Towards this end, a committee has been set up and mandated to embark on a tour of all ports facilities and jetties across the country.
The DG the agency has put in place measures to meet up with the 90-day ultimatum given to Nigeria explaining that the ultimatum was not a sanction as misconstrued by members of the public but meant to ensure strict compliance as both countries were members of IMO.
“The United State government recently issued a 90-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Government requiring the Designated Authority (DA) for ISPS code implementation, the NIMASA, to ensure nationwide compliance failure to do so resulting in a possible sanction for Nigeria.
“However, recent misinformation being peddled in the media has necessitated that NIMASA should set the records straight by highlighting what the agency is doing in its capacity as DA to address the US Coast Guard report and to explain the successes of the ISPS code implementation,” he added.
