By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
Maritime stakeholders have been charged to work together to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices from the maritime industry.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, who made this call on Tuesday at the ongoing 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organized by the Shippers’ Council of Nigeria in Abuja, noted that corruption is a significant impediment to development and efficiency in any society.
He also noted that corruption increases the cost of doing business, limits economic growth, negatively impacts social well-being, deprives the government of legitimate revenue, and tarnishes the country’s image.
Akume, who was also the Chairman of the occasion, said the maritime sector is a vital part of any economy endowed with marine resources, adding that the present administration recognizes the essential role and economic significance of the maritime sub-sector in diversifying, revamping, and strengthening the economy.
Speaking on the importance of the seminar, he disclosed that it provides a specialized forum for judicial officers to acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to efficiently and effectively resolve maritime disputes.
He also noted that a strong and independent judiciary, where court decisions are transparent, fair, timely, and adhere to internationally recognized norms, is essential for encouraging both foreign and local private sector investment.
Sen. Akume further assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to fulfilling its international, regional, and subregional obligations, particularly regarding the international conventions, treaties, and agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.
In his words, “I am aware that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s enabling Act, promulgated in 1978, requires revision to address recent developments in the maritime sector adequately, our administration therefore supports the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework for the Port sector”, he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdulllahi Sule, who was represented by the Attorney General of the state, Barrister Shuabu Labaran Magaji said the benefits of such seminars are immense and do not only contribute to the professional development of judges but also help in promoting a conducive legal framework for the maritime industry.
He pointed out that, “As we strive to position Nigeria as a global maritime hub, it is crucial to have a robust legal system that can effectively address the evolving challenges and opportunities in the sector”.
He commended the collaboration between the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Nasarawa State Government in advancing the interests of the state and the country as a whole, adding that the partnership opens up new avenues for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, capacity building, and policy advocacy, all of which are essential for driving sustainable growth and development in the maritime sector.
“As the Governor of Nasarawa State, I am committed to supporting initiatives that promote the development of our state and contribute to the overall prosperity of our nation. I also see great potential for collaboration between the Nigerian Shippers Council and the Nasarawa State Government in areas such as training and capacity building for our local workforce, promoting investments in maritime infrastructure, and fostering a conducive business environment for maritime activities”, he noted.
Delivering his keynote address at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola stated that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the National Judicial Institute have been actively collaborating since 1995 when the first seminar was held, with the objective of educating and providing the Justices and Judges of our superior courts with knowledge of the contemporary development in the complex and dynamic subject of admiralty law and practice, as it affects the administration of justice in Nigeria.
“The maritime sector is a complex and dynamic field that necessitates comprehensive legal and regulatory systems”, he said.
Mr, Oyetola while informing the Justices/Judges, that their role is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime law to resolve disputes, uphold international standards, and promote justice, noted that the seminar is a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and addressing the evolving legal issues that impact our maritime domain
The Minister further mentioned that the Ministry has recently thrown its weight behind the repeal of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act CAP N113 LFN and the Enactment of the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2024, in order to bring it up to speed with current realities and to maximize the gains of the ongoing reforms when it is eventually passed into law.
“My Lords, as guardians of the rule of law, you – the esteemed Judges and Justices gathered here today – play a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape that governs our maritime affairs and your interpretations, and indeed decisions have far-reaching implications, not only for the businesses and individuals operating in the maritime sector, but also for the long-term sustainability and resilience of our blue economy”, he added.
Also speaking at the event, the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman, Board of Governors, National Judicial Institute, Hon. Olukayode Ariwoola in his keynote address, stated that the National Policy on Justice recommends continuous training as one of the key elements that guarantees the independence of the Judiciary, as well as the quality and efficiency of the judicial system.
“As we are all aware, training and capacity-building is also an integral part of the legal profession for members of the Nigerian Bar and the Bench, irrespective of your chosen field.
“In light of the foregoing, this Seminar is designed among other things to acquaint participants with emerging developments in the sphere of Admiralty Law and the challenges that digitalization and globalization may throw up on the adjudication of admiralty matters by Judges. I can say without contradiction that Judges who might have experienced and participated in this Seminar in the past have become better equipped with knowledge of rudimentary maritime laws in handling complex maritime claims/cases”.
Speaking on the Maritime law in Nigeria, the CJN noted that the Maritime law is a specialized area of the law, which has witnessed novel developments, noting however, that taking into consideration the importance of the blue economy and the maritime industry, being the cornerstone of transportation in International Commerce, it becomes imperative that Seminars of this nature are organized to bring to the front-burner challenges which may impede development of the industry.
“Furthermore, in order to put participants on a stronger footing, Judges at this forum would benefit and gain insight from presentations on topics such as- Shipping in the Age of Innovation and Climate Change: The Role of Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vessels and De-carbonization; ADR as an effective Tool in the Resolution of Maritime Disputes: Current Developments and Matters Arising; Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules 2023 and Matters Arising among several others.
“With regard to the issue of Security of the Maritime space, I encourage Judges at this forum to continue to apprise themselves with the recent innovations of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act 2019, as it establishes a legal framework for the prosecution of piracy and protection of maritime infrastructure”, he said.
The major highlight of the seminar was the presentation/ book launch of the 16th international Maritime seminar for judges and the presentation of N10 million cheque each for the 16th and 17th edition by Sir Emeka foundation.
