The Federal Government has pledged to implement actionable recommendations from the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime justice system as a key driver of trade, investment and the growth of the blue economy.
According to an official signed statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yomi Odunuga, the commitment was made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON, while declaring open the three-day seminar in Abuja on Wednesday.
The seminar was organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
Akume said an efficient, predictable and credible maritime justice system is indispensable to attracting investment, facilitating trade and unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s blue economy. He noted that maritime justice extends beyond legal practice because delays in resolving maritime disputes have direct consequences on commerce, investor confidence and the cost of goods for ordinary Nigerians.
“When a maritime claim is delayed in court, trade suffers. When a ship arrest is poorly executed, investor confidence falls. When cargo liability disputes go unresolved, the cost of importing essential goods rises, and it is ordinary Nigerians who bear that cost,” the SGF said.
He assured participants that his office would support the implementation of resolutions reached during the seminar, particularly those requiring legislative intervention, executive action and enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
The SGF explained that recommendations requiring amendments to existing laws would be forwarded through the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice, while issues relating to the ratification of international maritime conventions would receive executive consideration.
He stressed that the outcome of the seminar must translate into concrete policy reforms, legislative action and institutional improvements that would enhance the experience of businesses operating through Nigerian ports and citizens seeking justice in the nation’s courts.
Akume described maritime justice as a critical pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Blue Economy, noting that no investor would commit substantial capital to the sector without confidence in Nigeria’s dispute resolution mechanisms.
He reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to build a predictable, transparent and professionally competent maritime ecosystem capable of positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime and trade hub in Africa.
The SGF also called for stronger collaboration among key maritime institutions, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal High Court.
According to him, improved information sharing, regulatory alignment and institutional cooperation among the agencies are essential to enhancing efficiency and competitiveness within the maritime sector.
Akume commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for sustaining the International Maritime Seminar for Judges since 1995, describing it as one of Africa’s foremost judicial capacity-building platforms.
He also welcomed judicial officers from Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Kenya and Liberia, expressing confidence that the seminar would strengthen regional cooperation, promote harmonisation of maritime laws and boost trade across the African continent.
The three-day seminar has brought together judges, maritime law experts and other stakeholders from across Africa to deliberate on emerging issues in maritime law, dispute resolution and the development of the continent’s maritime sector.
