THE POSITION OF INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AND PORT FACILITY (ISPS) CODE IN NIGERIA MARITIME ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to critically examine the position of international shipping and port facility security (ISPS) code in Nigeria maritime environment. The paper looked at what Nigeria stand to benefit by implementing the international shipping and port facility security (ISPS) code in the maritime industry. Due to the attack of United States of America on September 11^th 2001, it shows that no country in the world is safe from terrorist attack, base on this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through its consultative organization established in Geneva in 1948, which went into operation in 1959 to develop and maintain regulatory framework for shipping industry in order to secure vessels, notable among regulatory bodies is Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS). The study analyze the degree of ISPS Code, it’s compliance with the provision of the rules and regulations to port and ship. It also x-rayed the functions of security officers at ship and port. The paper also looked at the position of ISPS code to the maritime industry. The research therefore concludes that the issue of security must be treated with seriousness by both stakeholders and government for effective implementation. It therefore recommends among others that government at all levels should show real political will and commitment to maritime security.