The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has identified the judiciary as a major partner in the realisation of the benefits of the blue economy in Nigeria.
At the fourth Admiralty Law Colloquium in Lagos, the agency’s Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola said that the event’s theme, “Charting the Course of Nigeria’s Blue Economy” is a reflection of the increased national attention to the potential of the maritime industry in driving economic development.
Mobereola said: ‘Nigeria’s blue economy requires an all hands on deck approach, with the judiciary as a crucial actor, where interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions remains a vital tool for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy’.
He identified the important role of the Nigerian judiciary in interpreting extant maritime laws thereby helping to improve industry standards and aiding development of the Blue Economy.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who was represented by Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim of the Supreme Court, commended NIMASA and the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) for collaborating to host the colloquium which is central to building the capacity of judicial officers in admiralty law.
The Chief Justice said: ‘The task before us is to ensure that Nigeria’s blue economy does not remain a conceptual aspiration but becomes a tangible driver of growth, equity, and sustainability. The judiciary must not stand at the shoreline as a passive observer, but rather as an active navigator — steering the ship of justice through the complex waters of maritime development’.
The first session witnessed renowned maritime law experts, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria; and Dr. Chukwuchefu Ukatta, delivered papers in line with the theme of the event emphasising the imperative of synergy between judicial processes and development of the blue economy in Nigeria.
A panel discussion, chaired by the Director General of NIALS, Professor Abdulqadir Abikan, followed by an interactive session with attendees which concluded the event.
Present at the colloquium were the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongbam-Mensem, who was represented by Hon. Justice Elfrida Williams-Dawodu and Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, who was represented by Justice Ayokunle Faji.
The Admiralty Law Colloquium is an annual event organised by NIMASA, in partnership with NIALS and with support of the National Judicial Institute. Its purpose is to facilitate discussions on maritime law, focusing on improving adjudication, enhancing maritime security and advancing the Nigerian blue economy.
