The Federal Government has pledged to implement actionable recommendations from the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, saying an efficient and credible maritime justice system is critical to attracting investment, facilitating trade, and unlocking the country’s blue economy potential.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening ceremony of the seminar organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
The Federal Government says strengthening maritime justice is essential to improving investor confidence, facilitating trade, and driving the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said delays in resolving maritime disputes undermine trade, weaken investor confidence, and increase the cost of imported goods, with ordinary Nigerians ultimately bearing the burden.
The SGF also pledged federal support for implementing resolutions from the three-day seminar, particularly those requiring legislative intervention, executive action, and inter-agency collaboration.
According to him, recommendations requiring amendments to existing laws would be channelled through the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice, while matters involving the ratification of international conventions would receive executive attention.
He said the outcomes of the seminar must translate into concrete policies, legislative reforms, institutional improvements, and a more efficient justice system for businesses operating through Nigeria’s ports.
Akume described maritime justice as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the Blue Economy, noting that no investor would commit capital to Nigeria’s maritime sector without confidence in the country’s dispute resolution mechanisms.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to building a predictable and professionally competent maritime ecosystem capable of positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global shipping and trade.
The SGF also called for stronger collaboration among the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Federal High Court to improve efficiency across the sector.
He commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for sustaining the International Maritime Seminar for Judges since 1995, describing it as one of Africa’s most respected judicial learning platforms.
Akume also welcomed judicial officers from Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Kenya, and Liberia, expressing optimism that the seminar would deepen regional cooperation, harmonise business laws, and promote maritime trade across Africa.
The three-day seminar has brought together judges, maritime law experts, and key stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on contemporary issues in maritime law and dispute resolution.
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(Editor:Ada Ononye)
