The federal government has affirmed its readiness to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain, as a driver of employment, investment and economic diversification.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance at the just concluded 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in Abuja recently.
He noted that no investor would commit capital to maritime ventures in Nigeria without confidence that contractual disputes would be resolved promptly and transparently.
Akume said investor’s confidence depends largely on the ability of courts to resolve commercial disputes fairly, swiftly and with technical expertise.
Nigeria’s maritime domain should be viewed not only as a trade corridor but also as a catalyst for employment, investment and economic diversification.
Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, said the seminar’s theme, ‘Advancing Maritime Justice, Strengthening Global Trade,’ aptly captured the indispensable relationship between a sound legal system and a prosperous maritime economy.
He said maritime commerce thrives where the rule of law is upheld, contractual obligations are enforced, disputes are resolved fairly and expeditiously, and judicial decisions inspire confidence among investors and trading partners.
Oyetola said infrastructural development, policy reforms and institutional strengthening alone cannot guarantee the success of Nigeria’s maritime aspirations.
He added that these efforts must be complemented by a legal and judicial system that commands confidence both nationally and internationally.
“The judiciary occupies a uniquely strategic position within the marine and blue economy ecosystem because every commercial transaction, investment decision, financing arrangement.
“Others are; Shipping contract, insurance policy and maritime venture ultimately depends on the assurance that legal rights will be protected and disputes resolved fairly, efficiently and in accordance with international law.
“The maritime legal landscape is undergoing profound transformation globally, and Nigeria must not be left behind,” he said.
Also, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, said the administration of maritime justice was strengthened when courts learn from one another, exchange ideas and share experiences in addressing common legal challenges.
“Seminars such as this are invaluable because they provide judicial officers with the opportunity to benefit from comparative perspectives while remaining responsive to the peculiar legal traditions and realities of their respective jurisdictions,” she said.