ISPS Code: Controlling Human Traffic at Ports
By Francis Ugwoke
At last, the International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code was flagged off yesterday by the world maritime community. In Abuja, the Federal Government formally kicked off Nigeria's implementation of the global maritime securitty code with a seminar specifically organised to commemorate the coming into force of the ISPS code in Nigeria. The venue was Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, Abuja.
Before now, maritime nations, including Nigeria announced measures to comply with the Code. In the case of Nigeria, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi last announced strict security measures at the nation's ports as part of the implementation of the Code. Part of the measures include the introduction of electronic security systems at gates to check human traffic into the seaports. The installation of the system is awaiting the completion of reconstruction work at the port gate.
Under the system which will be installed once construction works at the gates are completed, port users will be expected to possess electronic cards which will enable them have access into the ports.
Terminal operators who are expected to take over ports operation from the NPA probably in September this year will introduce their own electronic systems in respective terminals.
All these measures according to Sarumi are part of the implementation of the Code which basis is to check all acts of terrorism. The NPA boss warned that anybody caught inside the port who has no business there will be prosecuted. In his words,
"We are changing the nature of our gates - so not everybody will be allowed in. We shall introduce electronic device which if you do not have a smart card, you cannot enter the ports. The ports will be broken into small terminals, each to be cordoned off. So if you escape the gate, you will not go into the terminals", he told journalists and industry stakeholders gathered with him during the sensitization programme on ISPS code.
To industry watchers, the issue of ISPS code implemetation is not just the concern of NPA as Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Safety and Security (PICOMS) is cordinating the programme of implementtion, but the Authority no doubt will face challenges in human traffic control at the ports.
Like one has observed in many international ports, most clearing and forwarding at the ports is automated. And this means that very few people are physically present at the ports. Here, the case is different. There are so many people inside the ports claiming to have one legitimate business or the other to do. This is one big challenge for the NPA. The Authority over the years has made efforts to check human traffic, but this has been a fruitless effort, a situation that is partly caused by the security personnel of the organsiation. To enter the port, one requires a port pass. But without this, one can still enter the through other means. And that is by simply 'settling' the security officers at the gates. The cost is just N20 or even N10 and one gets into the port. This has been the scenario over the years, and probably till this moment. This explains the presence of hoodlums that can be found in the ports today. There are many of them who hawk Indian hemp among dockworkers. These people do not spare broaching containers. From time to time, Police makes arrest of such criminals. You find them in most sharp corners of the seaport. One needs to come to the Flour Mills sides of the port, or from berth 1 to 11, to see hoodlums in action. Vehicles which carry Flour, wheat and fertilizer are attacked and sacks or bags are stolen at broad day light. They simply climb the vehicles from where they throw some bags down. This happens regularly. These boys also broach containers. Beside these hoodlums are all kinds of mad or sick people loitering in the ports. Some of them are retired and displaced seamen who have no homes. They see the ports as their home. There are also other people who provide legitimate service at the port - like the food sellers. These people are in their hundreds in each port. What it means is that the NPA will have to provide them with electronic cards to enable them access.
There are customs ageents who throng the ports to clear their goods. There are also fake agents among them who will need cards to enter the ports, NPA is expected to ensure that no agent who has business at the ports is denied access. Sarumi made mention of having in place interconnectivity among all operators in the ports. It does not seem that this can be put in place as fast as possible. It is a project that will take time to be carried out. Take for instance the computerisation programme of the customs, otherwise known as ASYCUDA, and how long it has taken, yet it has not fully been implemented in all the customs commands. If the government can be fast in making computerisation programme work in the Service, it will take some customs agents sometime to be interconnected.
In a letter to the NPA boss, the Natiuonal Association of Govt. Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) stressed the need to involve the agents in fashioning out the process of identifying them.
"It is pertinent to inform the NPA management and the PICOMSS that the involvement of freight forwarders in drawing up a workable security plan for our ports should be given utmost priority. This is against the backdrop that freight forwarders are a key element in the supply chain, which is relevant to an effective implementation of the ISPS Code", Mr. Eugene Nweke, Head of Special Duties with NAGAFF wrote.
The letter added, "since the ISPS code clearly spelt out the need for a Port Facility Security Plan, which incorporates monitoring and controlling access and the activities of people and cargo, we shall be most grateful if the security department of the NPA can initiate a meeting with us for the harmonization of processes for the proper identification and monitoring of our members, in the course of their legitimate businesses in the ports".
The statement from the agents is no doubt another challenge for the NPA or PICOMMS. On the other hand, it is hoped that with ISPS code, NPA peersonnel at the ports gate will shun 'settlement' for which hoodlums or miscreants who are not qualified to enter the ports. Yet, in trying to be strict, one hopes that people with legitimate business are not denied access into the ports.
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