The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has said that a credible and efficient maritime justice system is foundational to attracting investors and position Nigeria as a competitive hub in global shipping.
He stated this at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
Themed, “Advancing Maritime Justice, Strengthening Global Trade”, Akume noted that maritime justice is not a sectoral concern but a national governance issue that directly impacts trade, investment, and the cost of living for Nigerians.
He stated: “When a maritime claim is delayed in court, trade suffers. When a ship arrest is poorly executed, investor confidence falls. When cargo disputes go unresolved, the cost of essential imports rises — and ordinary Nigerians bear that cost.”
“A credible and efficient maritime justice system is foundational to attracting investors and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub in global shipping.”
Akume explained that effective maritime commerce requires harmony among key agencies including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Federal High Court.
He said the Office of the SGF would provide the coordinating platform to ensure data sharing, regulatory alignment, and follow-through on the seminar’s recommendations.
Akume stressed that the Blue Economy has been made a strategic priority to drive jobs, investment, and economic diversification.
Also, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola urged the judiciary to prepare for a new generation of maritime disputes arising from autonomous ships, digital shipping and the global transition to cleaner maritime transport.
He stated that the rapid evolution of maritime technology was creating unprecedented legal questions around liability, navigational responsibility, insurance, collision regulations and the allocation of responsibility when autonomous vessels or their systems fail.
Oyetola emphasised that the theme of the seminar captures the indispensable relationship between a sound legal system and a prosperous maritime economy.
He added: “Maritime commerce flourishes where the rule of law is respected, contractual obligations are enforced, disputes are resolved fairly and expeditiously, and judicial decisions inspire confidence among investors and trading partners.”
On her part, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Keke-Ekun called for a responsive, efficient and specialised system of admiralty justice capable of resolving maritime disputes in a timely and effective manner.
She stressed the need for effective and prompt dispensation of admiralty justice, noting that maritime disputes often involve complex, time-sensitive and cross-border transactions.
The CJN noted that delays in resolving such disputes could disrupt commercial operations, increase costs, undermine investor confidence and affect the smooth functioning of the maritime industry.