Nigeria Needs Stronger Maritime Laws, Says NSC
Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has emphasized the need for robust legislation to address the modern challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector. He made this call at the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, co-organized by the NSC and the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.
“There are fundamental requirements that our laws must incorporate,” Barr. Akutah stated. “We need to update our legislation to reflect the current realities of the maritime industry. Today, the President has recognized the importance of focusing on this sector to bolster the economy.”
Barr. Akutah highlighted that a strong legal framework is essential for providing effective regulatory services in the maritime sector, which in turn would enhance the industry’s efficiency and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State also spoke at the seminar, underscoring the seminar’s role in the professional development of judges and in fostering a supportive legal environment for the maritime industry.
“As we aim to position Nigeria as a global maritime hub, having a robust legal system is crucial to addressing the sector’s evolving challenges and opportunities,” Governor Sule said. “I am particularly pleased to see the collaboration between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nasarawa State Government. This partnership paves the way for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, capacity building, and policy advocacy, all vital for sustainable growth in the maritime sector.”
Governor Sule expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration in training and capacity building for the local workforce, promoting investments in maritime infrastructure, and fostering a conducive business environment for maritime activities.
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The Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, reiterated the importance of continuous training for the judiciary to ensure its independence and efficiency.
“Training and capacity-building are integral parts of the legal profession,” Justice Ariwoola said. “This seminar is designed to acquaint participants with the latest developments in Admiralty Law and the challenges posed by digitalization and globalization. Judges who have participated in this seminar in the past are better equipped to handle complex maritime claims and cases.”
The seminar aims to enhance the judiciary’s understanding of maritime laws and improve the adjudication of maritime disputes, contributing to a more efficient and effective legal framework for Nigeria’s maritime sector.
