The Federal Government has emphasised the critical role of an effective maritime justice system in unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to the government, a credible and efficient maritime justice system is fundamental to achieving the country’s blue economy aspirations.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the ongoing 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Akume said investor confidence depended largely on the ability of courts to resolve commercial disputes fairly, swiftly and with technical expertise.
He noted that Nigeria’s maritime domain should be viewed not only as a trade corridor but also as a catalyst for employment, investment and economic diversification.
“We are committed to unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain, not only as a trade corridor but as a driver of employment, investment and economic diversification.
“A credible, efficient and expert maritime justice system is not peripheral to that ambition. It is foundational to it,” he said.
The SGF noted that no investor would commit capital to maritime ventures in Nigeria without confidence that contractual disputes would be resolved promptly and transparently.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, said the seminar’s theme, “Advancing Maritime Justice, Strengthening Global Trade,” aptly captured the indispensable relationship between a sound legal system and a prosperous maritime economy.
According to him, maritime commerce thrives where the rule of law is upheld, contractual obligations are enforced, disputes are resolved fairly and expeditiously, and judicial decisions inspire confidence among investors and trading partners.
Oyetola said infrastructural development, policy reforms and institutional strengthening alone cannot guarantee the success of Nigeria’s maritime aspirations.
He stressed that these efforts must be complemented by a legal and judicial system that commands confidence both nationally and internationally.
“The judiciary occupies a uniquely strategic position within the marine and blue economy ecosystem because every commercial transaction, investment decision, financing arrangement.
“Others are;Shipping contract, insurance policy and maritime venture ultimately depends on the assurance that legal rights will be protected and disputes resolved fairly, efficiently and in accordance with international law.
“The maritime legal landscape is undergoing profound transformation globally, and Nigeria must not be left behind.
“Rapid technological advancement, changing environmental obligations, evolving commercial practices and increasing cross-border transactions are presenting courts around the world with new legal questions,” he said.
The minister noted that it was imperative for judicial officers to continually update their knowledge and keep abreast of emerging developments in maritime law if Nigeria was to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
In her remarks, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, said the administration of maritime justice was strengthened when courts learn from one another, exchange ideas and share experiences in addressing common legal challenges.
She said judicial dialogue promoted greater consistency in the interpretation and application of maritime law while contributing to the continued development of maritime legal institutions.
“Seminars such as this are invaluable because they provide judicial officers with the opportunity to benefit from comparative perspectives while remaining responsive to the peculiar legal traditions and realities of their respective jurisdictions.
“Such initiatives should continue to inspire broader cooperation across jurisdictions.
” Within our region, they demonstrate that sustainable maritime governance can only succeed through collective action,” she said.
