As part of measures to boost activities in the maritime sector, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has canvassed a strong and independent judiciary, “where court decisions are transparent, fair, timely”.
In his address at the opening of the ongoing 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja on Tuesday, Akume explained that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to fulfilling its international, regional and sub-regional obligations, particularly regarding the international conventions, treaties and agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.
He acknowledged that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s enabling Act, promulgated in 1978, requires revision to address recent developments in the maritime sector.
In his submission, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola admitted that the maritime sector is a complex and dynamic field that necessitates comprehensive legal and regulatory systems.
He noted that the role of Justices and Judges is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime law to resolve disputes, uphold international standards, and promote justice.
He observed that maritime law is not just about resolving conflicts at sea, saying that it include safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of nations, corporations, and individuals as well as ensure the protection of the marine environment.
Oyetola reminded the judges that they play crucial role in shaping the legal landscape that governs the country’s maritime affairs, saying interpretations, and indeed decisions have far-reaching implications.
He assured that the ministry has been working assiduously to strengthen the institutional and legal frameworks of the agencies under the Ministry, which is why they have thrown weight behind the repeal of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act CAP N113 LFN and the enactment of the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2024.
The Executive Secretary, the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Mr Pius Akutah in his remarks said because of the recommendations of this conference , Nigeria currently has the admiralty rules in the federal high court.
Speaking on the current Nigeria Shippers Council Act, he said the Act promulgated in 1978 and given that the maritime sector is moving as there are lots of innovations coming up in the sector,
“So many changes even in terms of conventions were adopted over the years and there are basic requirements that the country should adopted in their laws.
“We need to bring the laws to speed and bring it to the modern realities of the maritime sector most importantly the President has found it necessary to focus on the blue economy to grow the economy therefore we need a strong law that is capable of bringing the maritime sector to the current realities.
“We are hoping that the law will give us the regulatory framework for the sector so that businesses will grow and the Nigeria maritime sector will be better for it”, he said.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule
commended the Nigerian Shippers Council for their leadership and vision in organizing this important seminar, adding that “I look forward to further collaboration between our state government and the council to harness the full potential of the maritime sector for the benefit of our people and the entire nation“.
Represented by Labaran Shuaibu Magaji, Atorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Nasarawa State, the Governor said“ I am honored to stand before you today to commend the Nigerian Shippers Council for their outstanding efforts in organizing the 17th International Seminar for Judges. This initiative is a testament to the council’s commitment to promoting excellence, knowledge sharing, and collaboration in the maritime and shipping industry.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Nigerian Shippers Council for their dedication to advancing the legal aspects of the shipping sector through seminars like this.
“By bringing together judges from around the world, this seminar provides a valuable platform for sharing best practices, discussing emerging issues, and enhancing the capacity of our judiciary in handling complex maritime cases.
“The benefits of such seminars are immense. They not only contribute to the professional development of judges but also help in promoting a conducive legal framework for the maritime industry. As we strive to position Nigeria as a global maritime hub, it is crucial to have a robust legal system that can effectively address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the sector“.
