The Federal Government has pledged to implement key recommendations from the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime justice system, boost investor confidence and unlock the potential of the blue economy.
The government said a credible, efficient and predictable maritime justice system is critical to facilitating trade, attracting investment and reducing the cost of doing business in the maritime sector.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the three-day seminar in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said delays in resolving maritime disputes undermine trade, discourage investment and increase the cost of imported goods for Nigerians.
Akume said his office would support the implementation of resolutions reached at the seminar, particularly those requiring legislative action, executive intervention and collaboration among relevant agencies.
He explained that recommendations requiring amendments to existing laws would be forwarded to the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice, while issues involving the ratification of international conventions would receive executive attention.
The SGF stressed that the outcome of the seminar must translate into practical policy reforms, improved legislation and institutional changes that would enhance the experience of Nigerians who conduct business through the country’s ports or seek redress through the courts.
He described maritime justice as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the Blue Economy, noting that investors would be reluctant to commit resources to Nigeria’s maritime sector without confidence in its dispute resolution mechanisms.
Akume reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a professionally competent and predictable maritime ecosystem capable of positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global shipping and trade.
He also called for stronger collaboration among the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal High Court through improved information sharing and regulatory coordination.
The SGF commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for sustaining the International Maritime Seminar for Judges since 1995, describing it as one of Africa’s leading judicial learning platforms.
He welcomed judicial officers from Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Kenya and Liberia, expressing confidence that the seminar would promote regional cooperation, harmonise business laws and strengthen maritime trade across Africa.