The NPA boss explained that these programmes of action designed to improve the performance of the division were in the areas of personnel recruitment, training and acquisition of necessary working tools and equipment.
Abdullahi revealed these in Lagos last Thursday while receiving in audience Messrs Rolf Olson and Mr. Ronald Rhinehart both officials of American Consulate-General, Lagos, who paid him a courtesy call.
The NPA Managing Director, who reiterated the determination of the Management to improve the outlook and the performance of the Security Department, explained that this has become necessary to enable the division cope with the increasing security challenges.
He said that, not only are the existing personnel of the NPA Security Department retrained and re-oriented, but all the nation’s seaports are improving on the requirements of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code as it concerns the responsibility of the ports, adding that even in the present concession regime, the NPA Management still oversees the security of the ports, in conjunction with other sister organisations.
While commending the United States government for initiating the move to ensure safety in global maritime activity, Abdullahi reiterated that the NPA would support the initiative, because it was in its best interest to do so and to effectively tackle terrorism in our environs.
Earlier, Olson had told their host that America was concerned about specific issues of effectively tackling terrorism in our maritime domain.
Olson, who said that the American Embassy has made its observation known to the Foreign Affairs Ministry through diplomatic note, emphasised the need for the nation’s seaports to be seen to be safe.
He reiterated the need for the two countries to work closely together to make global maritime activities safe.
NPA officials present at the meeting included the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Olumide Oduntan; the General Manager, Physical Planning and Development, Arch. Musa Dan Hassan; the General Manager, Public Affairs Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu; and the Special Assistant to the Managing Director, Mallam Abdullahi Buhari.
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.