The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued a strong warning to Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs), emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper reporting protocols for marine security incidents. The agency's directive comes in response to alarming reports that incident notifications were being sent to individual NIMASA officials rather than the designated International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Unit.

In a notice signed by Mudi Isa, the Head of the ISPS Code Unit, NIMASA highlighted that the failure to route incident reports through the approved ISPS Unit email address poses significant risks to maritime security. The notice, titled "Non-Receipt of Incident Reports/Submission to Approved ISPS Unit," underscored the critical nature of following established reporting channels to ensure compliance with international port security regulations.

NIMASA's communication stressed that bypassing these channels constitutes a breach of ISPS compliance, which could have serious repercussions for the safety of maritime operations. The agency specifically instructed PFSOs to refrain from sending or copying incident reports to individual staff emails unless they have received explicit authorization to do so.

To further enhance accountability, NIMASA directed all PFSOs to confirm receipt of their incident reports. If an acknowledgment is not received within 24 hours, they are instructed to contact the ISPS Unit immediately. This measure is intended to ensure that all security incidents and anomalies are captured in a timely manner and addressed through a coordinated response mechanism.

NIMASA also encouraged operators who may be uncertain about the approved reporting directory to reach out to the ISPS Unit for verification before submitting their reports. This proactive approach aims to bolster the effectiveness of maritime security measures and ensure that all incidents are reported accurately and efficiently.

The agency's firm stance reflects its commitment to maintaining high standards of safety and security within Nigeria's maritime sector, reinforcing the necessity for all stakeholders to comply with established protocols.