30th August, 2016
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is to ensure full implementation and enforcement of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) Code in the nation’s ports.
The Director-General, Dr Dakuku Peterside, stated this at the on-going five-day training programme facilitated by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in conjunction with NIMASA on ISPS Code compliance in Lagos.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code is a comprehensive set of measures to enhance the security of ships and port facilities.
It was developed in response to the perceived threats to ships and port facilities in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S.
Peterside observed that skilled, efficient and talented workers were critical to the growth of the maritime sector.
He said that NIMASA would continually equip its staff with new knowledge, skills and technologies necessary to ensure compliance with the ISPS Code.
According to the director-general, our people and values are hallmarks of a good and strong organisation.
“Recognizing that our greatest asset is our people, the leadership of the maritime industry in Nigeria is committed to building a skilled, talented and effective workforce.
“That is why we take advantage of every training programme to equip our people and prepare them for new challenges that come up daily in the course of carrying out their assignments,” Peterside said.
He said that to reposition the maritime industry, NIMASA had developed an in-house training initiative to continuously update the skills of its staff in line with various developments in the industry.
Peterside also said that the agency as the Designated Authority (DA) for the implementation of the ISPS Code, would work with local and international stakeholders to develop quality industry-specific training for its staff.
He said that this would enhance the performance and productivity of staff.
The director-general said that the Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi had displayed rare leadership qualities in the maritime industry.
“Things are turning around in the maritime industry because we have a minister who understands that the industry offers Nigeria a great opportunity to leapfrog our economy,” he said.
The ISPS Code training is being facilitated by consultants from the IMO for the staff of NIMASA, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.