NIMASA to begin enforcement of ISPS Code levy in December

In its determination to enhance the security of all Nigerian ports, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will in December this year commence the full implementation of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code levy from all port facility owners and shipping companies.

This means that ship owners, shipping companies, terminal and jetty operators, port facility owners, international oil companies (IOCs) and mariners that operate on Nigerian waters will pay an additional levy to NIMASA, Nigeria’s ISPS Code designated authority (DA), from December.

In a marine notice issued recently and signed by Ezekiel Bala Agaba, executive director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development, on behalf of the management, the agency confirmed that it has concluded the Verification Inspection Exercise (VIE) of all port facilities in Nigeria.

According to the notice, the enforcement of new ISPS Code levy is to enable the agency to re-issue Statement of Compliance (SoCPF) to all qualified port facilities and also help the agency to rectify all the identified deficiencies as well as lapses at the facilities that were inspected.

“Furthermore, assigned Recognised Security Organisations (RSOs) will commence ports and terminals security assessment for facilities not covered in the first phase of the inspection exercise,” the notice said.

The security assessment, NIMASA stated, will enable the development, review and regulatory approval of the Port Facilities Security Assessment (PFSAs) and Port Facilities Security Plans (PFSPs). It further enjoined all port facility owners and their related staff to co-operate with ISPS Code Enforcement Team of the agency within the period of the exercise.

It would be recalled that about a month ago NIMASA instituted a fresh implementation programme for ISPS Code as required after formally receiving the DA mandate with an official letter issued by the Ministry of Transport on May 21, 2013. This also became necessary owing to the 90-day ultimatum issued by the US Coast Guard to Nigeria to comply with the ISPS Code, a target which the nation was able to surpass through efforts put in place by NIMASA and other relevant agencies.

By: Uzoamaka Anagor