IMO audit scheme seeks NIMASA’s response to findings, observation

The International Maritime Organisation Member States Audit Scheme (IMSAS) has challenged the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to respond within 90 days to its 11 findings and one observation.

Presenting its interim audit report to NIMASA and other maritime stakeholders in Lagos, leader of IMSAS team, Captain Yalscin Cahit, advised NIMASA to respond and highlight strategies being developed to remedy the gaps identified during the weeklong audit of the Nigerian maritime sector.

According to a statement issued by NIMASA, Cahit harped on the need for the agency to develop its systems, adding, “NIMASA has no problems with human resources as he lauded the expertise, competence and commitment of the Agency’s personnel”.

He also drew attention to the need to fast track enactment of regulations pursuant to IMO instruments for which Nigeria is party to, pointing out that issuance of regulations is critical to enforcement of IMO instruments.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside has promised the IMSAS team that the Agency together with other stakeholders are committed to the implementation of relevant IMO instruments for the overall development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

The DG, who according to the statement, restated that the IMO Audit is in line with the vision of NIMASA, also said that the Agency will leverage on the findings and observation of the interim report to repositioning the Nigerian maritime industry for more efficiency and competitiveness.

Commending the IMO Audit teama for a thorough job, Peterside assured the team that the Agency will take the report very seriously, adding that in the next one year most of the identified deficiencies will be drastically reduced if not completely eliminated.

The DG said: “With the active support of the Minister of Transportation and the leadership of the Agency which is forward looking, focused and determined, Nigeria will certainly regain its lost glory in the comity of maritime nations. NIMASA will immediately settle down to work to address these findings.”

The audit is aimed at promoting consistent and effective implementation of applicable IMO conventions, resolutions and protocols amongst member nations as well as assist member states to improve their capabilities in the enforcement of these instruments for the overall benefit of global shipping.

The IMSAS team from the IMO is comprised of Capt. Cahit Yakin, Hakon Stohaug and Wei Song.The NIMASA DG had at the commencement of the audit pledged the Agency’s support and commitment.