The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has called for a responsive, efficient and specialised system of admiralty justice capable of resolving maritime disputes in a timely and effective manner.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges open.
She said the maritime sector serves as a vital channel for the movement of goods and services, facilitates international trade, supports economic growth and contributes significantly to employment and national revenue.
The CJN pointed out that delays in resolving such disputes could disrupt commercial operations, increase costs, undermine investor confidence and affect the smooth functioning of the maritime industry.
She, therefore, underscored the need for a responsive, efficient and specialised system of admiralty justice capable of resolving maritime disputes in a timely and effective manner.
Kekere-Ekun also highlighted the importance of collaboration across jurisdictions, particularly given the inherently international nature of maritime commerce.
She noted that ships, cargoes, commercial transactions and maritime disputes frequently involve multiple countries and legal systems, making cooperation among courts, judicial officers, regulators, legal practitioners and other stakeholders essential.
Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka highlighted the strategic importance of the maritime sector to national and global economies.
He noted that disruptions in maritime trade could reverberate across national economies, affecting supply chains, the availability and cost of goods, industrial production and economic growth.
Abbas assured participants that the House of Representatives would continue to enact appropriate legislation and diligently perform its oversight functions to support the development of the maritime sector.