FG Urges Maritime Stakeholders to Eradicate Corruption in Sector.
At the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, called on maritime stakeholders to intensify efforts to eradicate corruption within the sector. The seminar, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was organized by the Nigerian Shippers Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Senator Akume emphasized the critical role of the maritime sub-sector in President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s strategy to diversify, overhaul, and rebuild Nigeria’s economy. This strategic importance led to the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. Akume reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to fulfilling Nigeria’s international, regional, and sub-regional obligations, particularly those related to international conventions, treaties, and accords.
Highlighting ongoing legislative efforts, Akume noted that the administration supports the National Assembly’s work towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework for the port sector.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed optimism that the seminar would foster harmonization and unification of business laws, promoting greater economic integration across the African continent. He assured that the federal government is prepared to consider and implement recommendations from the seminar.
Oyetola underscored the indispensable role of judges in interpreting and applying maritime law, resolving disputes, upholding international standards, and promoting justice. He noted that judicial decisions have significant implications not only for maritime businesses and individuals but also for the long-term sustainability and resilience of the blue economy.
Oyetola also urged stakeholders and industry players to support the Ministry’s efforts in diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from oil dependency towards non-oil economic prosperity.
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Barrister Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, highlighted that the seminar, now in its 32nd year, aims to educate judges and practitioners on maritime laws, enhancing their efficiency and knowledge of current trends in the sector. He called for the repeal and update of the Nigerian Shippers Council Act to keep pace with the rapid innovations and modern realities of the maritime industry.
Ukeyima commended President Tinubu for his focus on the maritime economy, stressing the need for strong legal frameworks to support the sector’s modernization and growth.
