Hyacinth Chinweuba
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman has directed Ports Facility Security Officers (PFSOs) to exert more energy and remain ever vigilant in their various facilities in order to curb high level of insecurity and threats in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Usman made this call in her goodwill message to the 2018 edition of the annual conference of Ports Facility Security Officers Forum of Nigeria which took place in Calabar, Cross River state during the weekend.
In a statement issued by the new General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Engr. Adams Jatto, the Managing Director further urged the (PFSOs) to pay special attention to intelligence gathering and sharing of information with other security agencies at the ports, noting that this will further enhance effective performance of their duties.
Represented by the General Manager, Security Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, she commended the officers for their commitment to duty particularly on the implementation of the International Ships and Ports Security (ISPS) code since its inception in 2004, by keeping ports facilities and the entire maritime industry safe over the years.
While reiterating the preparedness of the Authority to collaborate with all relevant security agencies and other stakeholders for improved security at the ports, she disclosed that the organization will continue to support the security officer in their efforts to ensure continuous safety of Nigeria maritime domain.
The 4th annual conference had as its theme; Integrated Maritime Security Architecture; A Panacea for Economic Growth of Nigeria, was hosted by the Niger Delta Maritime Security Area.
Highlight of the conference was the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations for their contributions to the development of the forum. Organizational award went to the Nigerian Ports Authority, NorthWest Petroleum and Gas Company LTD, Crown Flour Mills etc, while individual awardee include former Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Anataku Suberu, Calabar Port Manager, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, National Vice Chairman, Dr. Ignatius Uche and the chairperson, Local Organizing Committee for the conference, Mrs. Gloria Ayika.
Among the dignitaries who attended the opening session are the representative of the Flag Officer, Commanding Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Adaji, Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Eastern Ports, Port Harcourt, Mr. Alex Okpara, Calabar Port Manager, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, General Manager, ECM Terminals Ltd, Mr. Diran Akorede and Deputy Comptroller, Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. C D Wada.