US Coast Guard to assess Nigeria’s adherence to ISPS Code

/2 Comments/in /by

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has announced its intention to collaborate with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to assess the extent of Nigeria’s ports compliance with the regulations outlined in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

During a meeting between a delegation from NIMASA and a Commercial Vessel Compliance Deputy of the U.S. Coast Guard, Cdr. Juliet Hudson, at the USCG headquarters in Washington DC, Hudson conveyed the commitment to conduct biannual evaluations of Nigeria’s port compliance with the ISPS Code. These assessments will inform updates to the Port Advisory Security Portal in the White House, potentially leading to the removal of entry conditions. Hudson commended NIMASA for its efforts in implementing the ISPS Code and expressed appreciation for their dedication.

In a related development, NIMASA Director General Dr. Bashir Jamoh, hosting a delegation from the USCG led by Lt. Benjamin Montz, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prioritizing safety and security in Nigerian waters. Jamoh acknowledged the support received from the U.S. government in implementing the ISPS Code and emphasized the importance of extending similar assistance to other Gulf of Guinea countries, considering Nigeria’s significant role in the region’s maritime activities.

Jamoh urged the USCG to provide training for NIMASA personnel, highlighting the importance of a thorough gap analysis to identify training needs accurately. Lt. Benjamin Montz, leading the USCG delegation, outlined plans to support NIMASA through training initiatives and collaboration aimed at enhancing safety and security in Nigeria’s maritime sector, particularly regarding port operations.

NIMASA serves as the designated authority responsible for implementing the ISPS Code in Nigeria. Over time, the agency has worked closely with various stakeholders, including the United States Coast Guard, to fulfill its mandate of ensuring safe and secure waterways in the country.

Customs FOU Zone A seizes foreign rice and merchandise valued at N854.2 million

/0 Comments/in /by

The Customs Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, located in Ikeja, Lagos, announced on Tuesday that it confiscated rice and other prohibited items worth N854.2 million in January 2024.

Hussain Ejibunu, the Controller of the Zone, disclosed that the unit seized a total of 60 items, including foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 6.5 trailer loads), 23,025 liters of PMS, 241 bales of used clothes, Indian hemp, cartons of foreign tomato paste, used tires, Haojuo motorcycles, cartons of slippers, and used vehicles.

Ejibunu explained that these goods were found to violate various sections of the Customs Act (2023), either because they had expired upon importation or they had not adhered to the statutory import guidelines.

Furthermore, he stated that ten suspects were apprehended in connection with some of the seized goods, resulting in the generation of N83.14 million in revenue through documentary checks and the issuance of demand notices on underpaid consignments.

Highlighting the detrimental effects of smuggling, Ejibunu emphasized its negative impact on the economy, environment, health, and security. He underscored the importance of collaboration and strong partnerships with other stakeholders to combat smuggling through the sharing of information and intelligence.

Ejibunu urged the public to understand the consequences of smuggling and to support enforcement and regulatory agencies in efforts to tackle this menace.

APM Terminals announces leadership changes in Europe

/0 Comments/in /by

The current managing director at APM Terminals Poti in Georgia, Julián Fernández, will become the managing director of APM Terminals Spanish Gateways from 1 April.

“I am very pleased to have Julián in his new role, where he will continue to be a crucial member of our leadership team in Europe while bringing his valuable experience and expertise from running a terminal in Georgia now in his new exciting role in Spain,” stated Igor van den Essen, regional managing director, Africa & Europe at APM Terminals.

This leadership change coincides with Carlos Arias de Molina’s appointment as CEO of APM Terminals Callao in Peru.

Julián Fernández will bring extensive senior leadership experience spanning Business Development, Finance, and General Management. He joined Maersk in 2008 as the CFO for Maersk Logistics (later Damco) in Brazil before transitioning to APM Terminals in 2011.

During his tenure, he served in various capacities, including head of Business Development for Latin America, where he played pivotal roles in significant port concession tenders and merger and acquisition projects. He later assumed the role of chief financial officer and deputy managing director for APM Terminals Poti in Georgia, eventually becoming its managing director in 2022.

“In his leadership roles, Julián has consistently demonstrated strategic and innovative ways of thinking and has ensured close partnerships with our people, stakeholders and communities. I am sure this will be greatly appreciated in his new market,” added Igor van den Essen.