NIMASA sanctions Heyden petroleum, NIPCO on ISPS violation …Seals facilities of erring firms …Raises ISPS implementation to 90%

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NIMASA sanctions Heyden petroleum, NIPCO on ISPS violation

.Seals facilities of erring firms

.Raises ISPS implementation to 90%

By Udeme Clement & Francis Chidiebere

Officials of NIMASA sealing the facility:

In continuation of its quest to ensure total compliance with the provisions of the International Ships and Ports Facility Security (ISPS) code, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has taken stern measures against three erring facilities namely; Heyden Petroleum Jetty, Index Petroleum Oil Jetty, Waziri Jetty operated by Hemsmor Nigeria Limited, NIPCO in Lagos, while the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Petroleum, Warri, Delta State was also affected by the action.

Speaking during the exercise, which lasted for about three hours, the Head of the ISPS Code Unit of the Agency, Captain Elei Green Igbogi noted that the affected jetties were given adequate notice to correct the anomalies identified, but they did not, hence the Agency has no other option, but to seal the facilities until they implement the minimum ISPS Code standards.

He stated further,  “The sealed facilities failed to implement physical and operational security measures in their premises, which poses great danger to the ships that call at their jetties and their facilities. In addition to this, they also failed to pay fines imposed on them”.

Captain Igbogi added, “The Agency worked with Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) and identified physical and operational gaps in those facilities.  They were duly advised to take corrective measures as stated in part VIII (3) of the ISPS Code regulations”.

He emphasized, “Dr. Dakuku Peterside led Management of NIMASA is committed to ensuring strict compliance to the provisions of ISPS Code, with the aim of achieving 100 per cent implementation, so that vessels calling at our ports could be assured of safety. To achieve this, every segment of the sector must embrace international best practice in its day to day activities. When all facilities comply, it is for the good of all; as security is very crucial in realising a robust maritime sector”.

It could be recalled that the Agency was appointed as the Designated Authority (DA) for ISPS Code implementation in Nigeria in 2013 and has since raised the bar from barely 13 per cent to over 90 per cent in terms of implementation and compliance.

Also part VIII of the ISPS Code implementation regulations 2014 gives the Agency the powers to impose fines, withdraw maritime services and also to close any erring facility that consistently violates the rules and regulations.

 

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