The International Maritime Organization Member States Audit Scheme (IMSAS) has submitted an interim report highlighting its findings after a week long audit of the Nigerian maritime sector.

Presenting the interim report, the leader of the IMSAS team, Captain Yalscin Cahit stated that NIMASA has no problems with human resources as he lauded the expertise, competence and commitment of the Agency’s personnel that the IMO team worked with.

The team leader however called on NIMASA to develop its systems and fast track enactment of regulations pursuant to IMO instruments to which Nigeria is signatory. Captain Cahit said issuance of regulations is critical to enforcement of IMO instruments.

A press statement sent to us and signed by hajia Lami Tumaka, head of corporate communications at NIMASA, showed that there were11 findings and one observation by the IMO Audit team.

While lauding NIMASA for its efforts, the team call on the Agency to remedy the identified gaps within 90 days to avoid sanctions.

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

Thanking the IMO Team for a job well done, Dr. Peterside assured that NIMASA will take the report very seriously. He promised that in the next one year or less, most of the identified deficiencies will be drastically reduced if not completely eliminated.

According to Dr. Dakuku, nothing will be left undone towards compliance with IMO regulations. In his words “With the active support of the Honourable 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.