In a significant move towards bolstering maritime security, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has proposed a three-year collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to facilitate the removal of the Condition of Entry (CoE) imposed on American-bound vessels departing from Nigeria.
Commander Juliet Hudson of the USCG, based at their headquarters in Washington DC, revealed this strategic initiative during a peer review visit by a NIMASA delegation. Hudson outlined plans for a bi-annual assessment of Nigerian ports’ compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, working in conjunction with NIMASA. The outcome of these assessments will be used to update the Port Advisory Security Portal at the White House, leading to a potential decision to lift the CoE.
“We will work with NIMASA to review the compliance level of Ports in Nigeria with the provisions of the ISPS Code. This will be done twice a year to enable us to update the Port Advisory Security Portal in the White House after which a decision will be taken to completely lift the Condition of Entry,” stated Commander Juliet Hudson during the visit.
NIMASA Director General, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, expressed appreciation for the collaboration and affirmed NIMASA’s commitment to prioritizing safety and security on Nigerian waterways, aligning with the mandate of the Blue Economy. Jamoh also urged the USCG to extend its support to other countries in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), emphasizing Nigeria’s crucial role in the region.
“Nigeria is a major stakeholder in the Gulf of Guinea; you will agree with me that most of the activities in the region revolve around Nigeria. We acknowledge the support you have been giving us; we request that you extend it to other countries in the GoG, as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and all credit goes to the United States Government,” Jamoh stated.
The NIMASA DG further called for USCG assistance in training NIMASA personnel, highlighting the importance of a gap analysis to ensure targeted and effective training.
Lt. Benjamin Montz, leading the USCG delegation, affirmed their commitment to supporting NIMASA in training initiatives and collaborating to enhance safety and security in Nigeria’s maritime sector, specifically focusing on port operations.
NIMASA, as the Designated Authority for the implementation of the ISPS facility code in Nigeria, has consistently collaborated with stakeholders to fulfill its mandate, with the US Coast Guard playing a crucial role in ensuring safer and more secure waterways in Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea.