Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have said that the Judiciary has a critical role to play in harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
Speaking at the 4th Edition of the Admiralty Law Colloquium held in Lagos, themed “Charting the Course of Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, described the judiciary as a key partner in ensuring the success and sustainability of the nation’s maritime-driven economic agenda.
Dr. Mobereola in his welcome address noted that achieving meaningful growth in the Blue Economy demands a collective effort, stressing that “Nigeria’s Blue Economy requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, with the judiciary playing a crucial role.
The interpretation of legal instruments and judicial decisions remains vital to 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.
In her key note address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokumbo Kekere-Ekun who was represented by Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim, JSC CFR, 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 saw renowned maritime law experts, Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN and Dr. Chukwuchefu Ukatta, deliver papers in line with the theme of the event emphasizing the imperative of synergy between judicial processes and development of the Blue Economy in Nigeria.
A panel discussion chaired by Professor A. J. Abikan, Director General of NIALS was then held followed by an interactive session with attendees which concluded the event.
The Admiralty Law Colloquium is an annual event organized by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in partnership with the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and with support of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
Its purpose is to facilitate discussions on maritime law, focusing on improving adjudication, enhancing maritime security and advancing the Nigerian Blue Economy.
