▪︎ Cross- section of judges and other participants at the seminar
Wednesday, 10 July, 2024
Abuja- The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged maritime judges to harmonize and unify business laws for greater economic integration of the African Continent.
Likewise, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, noted that in this age of globalization, with rapid development in international trade, maritime law and innovations in shipping technology, such as electronic shipping documentation and challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts like those in Ukraine and Palestine, there is a clear need for a robust judiciary.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, reiterate that maritime law in Nigeria being a specialized area of the law has witnessed novel developments,with emerging developments in the sphere of admiralty law and the challenges that digitalization and globalization may throw up on the adjudication of admiralty matters by judges.
The trios spoke at the 17th edition of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers Council and the National Judicial Institute, July 9th-11, in Abuja.
Oyetola said: " As you are aware, if our business laws are harmonized it would go a long way in enhancing International investment, reduce transportation and transactional costs and promote the ease of intra and inter African trade which is currently encouraged by African Continental Free Trade Agreement."
He commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the National Judicial Institute for actively collaborating since 1995 when the first seminar was held, with the objective of educating and providing the Justices and Judges of our superior courts with Knowledge of the contemporary development in the complex and dynamic subject of admiralty law and practice, as it affects the administration of justice in Nigeria.
The Minister, noted that the maritime sector is a complex and dynamic field that necessitates comprehensive legal and regulatory systems.
" As Justices/Judges, your role is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime law to resolve disputes, uphold international standards, and promote justice," he said.
Senator Akume, who was the Chairman of the occasion, noted that the maritime sector is a vital part of any economy endowed with marine resources.
" This administration recognizes the essential role and economic significance of the maritime sub-sector in diversifying, revamping, and strengthening the economy.
It was in light of this that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, tasked with exploring and harnessing the enormous potentials of this critical revenue source.
It is therefore, pertinent to state that this ministry is pivotal in driving economic growth and diversification and generating employment for our teeming youths.
This seminar provides a veritable and specialized opportunity for judicial officers to interact and acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to efficiently and effectively resolve maritime disputes.
At this juncture, I must add that a strong and independent judiciary, where court decisions are transparent, fair, timely and adhere to internationally recognized norms is essential for encouraging both foreign and local private sector investment."
He added that the administration of President 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. I am aware that the Nigerian Shippers' Council's enabling Act, promulgated in 1978, requires revision to address recent developments in the maritime sector adequately. Our administration therefore, supports the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework for the Port sector."
On his part, the CJN Ariwoola, noted that the annual seminar is beneficial in highlighting the key maritime issues,
particularly in creating awareness for judges on admiralty matters stressing that shipping policies of the government needs the input of the judiciary to foster economic growth.
He added that judges who might have experienced and participated in this seminar in the past have become better equipped with knowledge of rudimentary maritime laws in handling complex maritime claims or cases.
" I am very happy to note particularly that the maritime seminar has attained international recognition with recent participation of judges from other parts of the continent and as we embark upon the proceedings for the 17th edition of this seminar I am convinced that this forum will afford stakeholders the great opportunity to dialogue on current and emerging issues related to the complex and dynamic subject of admiralty law and practice as it affects the administration of justice in Nigeria."
This seminar provides a veritable and specialized opportunity for judicial officers to interact and acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to efficiently and effectively resolve maritime disputes.
At this juncture, I must add that a strong and independent judiciary, where court decisions are transparent, fair, timely and adhere to internationally recognized norms is essential for encouraging both foreign and local private sector investment."
He added that the administration of President 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. I am aware that the Nigerian Shippers' Council's enabling Act, promulgated in 1978, requires revision to address recent developments in the maritime sector adequately. Our administration therefore, supports the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework for the Port sector."
On his part, the CJN Ariwoola, noted that the annual seminar is beneficial in highlighting the key maritime issues,
particularly in creating awareness for judges on admiralty matters stressing that shipping policies of the government needs the input of the judiciary to foster economic growth.
He added that judges who might have experienced and participated in this seminar in the past have become better equipped with knowledge of rudimentary maritime laws in handling complex maritime claims or cases.
" I am very happy to note particularly that the maritime seminar has attained international recognition with recent participation of judges from other parts of the continent and as we embark upon the proceedings for the 17th edition of this seminar I am convinced that this forum will afford stakeholders the great opportunity to dialogue on current and emerging issues related to the complex and dynamic subject of admiralty law and practice as it affects the administration of justice in Nigeria."
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