Federal Government Urges Faster Enforcement of Maritime Laws

The federal government has called for the speedy enforcement of admiralty justice (maritime laws), stressing that delays in resolving maritime disputes undermine trade, discourage investment and slow the growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The call was made on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI).

Chairman of the occasion and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said efficient and timely adjudication of maritime cases is essential for enhancing investor confidence, facilitating shipping operations and supporting economic development.

Akume noted that the maritime sector is a key driver of international trade and requires a judicial system capable of delivering prompt justice to resolve commercial disputes.

He also urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, saying the complexity of the marine and blue economy demands coordinated efforts.

Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, urged the judiciary to prepare for emerging legal challenges posed by autonomous ships, digital shipping systems and the global transition to cleaner maritime transport.

According to the minister, technological advancements are creating new legal questions relating to liability, navigational responsibility, insurance, collision regulations and accountability where automated systems are involved.

He added that innovations such as electronic bills of lading, blockchain-enabled cargo documentation and digital freight contracts are transforming global commerce while presenting fresh evidentiary, contractual and jurisdictional issues that require judges to develop specialised expertise in maritime law.

Declaring the seminar open, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described the maritime sector as critical to international trade, economic growth, employment generation and national revenue.
She said maritime disputes are often complex, time-sensitive and cross-border in nature, making efficient admiralty justice indispensable for maintaining investor confidence and ensuring seamless maritime operations.

The CJN also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among courts, regulators, legal practitioners and judicial institutions across jurisdictions, noting that the international nature of maritime commerce demands greater cooperation.

Meanwhile the executive secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah expressed optimism that the seminar would deepen judicial knowledge and strengthen maritime dispute resolution in Nigeria and across Africa.

Akutah called for fruitful deliberations and assured the participants of Nigeria’s readiness to have a rewarding seminar.

The three-day seminar, scheduled to run from July 22 to July 24 in Abuja, has attracted chief justices from The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia and Sierra Leone, alongside Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal and State High Courts, legal scholars, arbitrators and maritime law practitioners.