PFSO explores synergy for sustainable port security for annual confab

By Godwin Oritse

The Port Facility Security Officers Forum of Nigeria (PFSOFN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMISA) has concluded plans for this year’s edition of its annual National Conference themed ‘Exploring Synergies for Sustainable Port Security.’

A statement by Mr. Adewole Gege, the forum’s Vice Chairman, said that a former General Manager, Security, Nigerian Ports Authority and retired Army officer, Col. Jamil Tahir, would be the Conference speaker, amongst other security experts.

The conference according to Gege, will amongst other things assemble Port Facility Security officers (PFSOs) from across the country, National Security Organizations (NSOs) and maritime stakeholders for capacity building, professional development through peer reviews and syndicate exercises, with the overall objective of engendering efficient port security system.

He said that the gathering would further provide an impetus for enhancing the compliance of port facilities as required by the International Ship and Port Facilities Security (ISPS) Code, initiated by the International Maritime Organization, (IMO).

NIMASA being the Designated Authority (DA) for implementation of the ISPS Code in Nigeria is to give the Keynote Address to kick-start the conference billed to commence in the next ten days, via its Executive Director, Operations, Mr. Shehu Ahmed.