Supreme Court Grants Federal Government Control Over Nigeria’s Inland Waterways
The Supreme Court has declared that the Federal Government possesses exclusive authority over the country’s inland waterways, deeming it unlawful for states to impose levies on businesses operating in this domain. The ruling, delivered in response to the appeal with the reference SC/CV/17/2018, overturns the Court of Appeal’s prior decision that favored Lagos State.
The appeal, initiated in 2018, was presented on behalf of the appellants by a legal team led by Lateef Fagbemi, who currently serves as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The respondents to the appeal included the Lagos State Waterways Authority, the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, the Attorney-General of Lagos State, the Governor of Lagos State, the Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transportation of Nigeria, and the Incorporated Trustees of Dredgers Association of Nigeria.
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The legal dispute regarding control over inland waterways originated in 2012 when the Lagos State Government, through Suit No: FHC/L/CS/543/2012, brought a case against the Federal Government before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Existing laws stipulate that exclusive control over inland waterways is vested in the Federal Government, and this authority is exercised through agencies such as the National Inland Waterways Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Standard and Safety Agency.
