For the maritime industry to expand, the judiciary must be impartial and devoid of corruption—SGF, Oyetola
In order to strengthen the marine industry, the Secretary General of the Federation (SGF) has advocated for an impartial and unsullied free judiciary.
At the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, which was arranged by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in association with the National Judicial Institute, the SGF underscored this point.
economic growth, adversely affects social well-being, robs the government of lawful revenue, and tarnishes the image of the nation,” the speaker declared.
In order to rid the marine sector of corruption and corrupt practices, he urged all parties involved to cooperate amicably.
He acknowledged the important role the marine sector plays in the economy, but insisted that the current administration also
understands the economic relevance of the maritime sub-sector in terms of diversifying, revitalizing, and bolstering the economy.
The SGF emphasized that there is an obvious need for a strong judiciary in this era of globalization, rapid development in international trade, and
innovations in maritime law and shipping technology, such as electronic shipping documentation, as well as the challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts like those in Palestine and Ukraine.
In order to promote both domestic and foreign private sector investment, he emphasized the necessity of having a strong and independent
judiciary that renders rulings that are fair, transparent, and timely while also adhering to internationally recognized norms.
He stated that Tinubu is dedicated to upholding his duties under international, regional, and sub-regional accords, especially those pertaining to the conventions, treaties, and agreements that Nigeria has ratified.
As a result, he admitted that the 1978-passed Nigerian Shippers’ Council Enabling Act has to be updated to reflect current advancements in the maritime industry.
In addition, he conveyed his endorsement of the National Assembly’s continuous endeavors to establish a strong Port Economic Regulatory Framework for the port industry.
Speaking, Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, acknowledged that the maritime industry is a dynamic, complicated business that requires extensive legal and regulatory frameworks.
He pointed out that in order to settle conflicts, preserve international norms, and advance justice, judges and justices play a crucial role in interpreting and administering maritime law.
He noted that maritime law encompasses more than just settling disputes at sea; it also protects the rights and obligations of states,
businesses, and private citizens, as well as ensuring the preservation of the marine environment.
Reminding the judges that their rulings and interpretations have far-reaching effects, Oyetola said that they are essential in forming the legal framework that oversees the nation’s maritime affairs.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act, CAP N113 LFN, has been repealed, and the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, 2024,
has been enacted because of the ministry’s diligent efforts to fortify the institutional and legal frameworks of the agencies under its purview, he assured.
In his remarks, Mr. Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council, stated that Nigeria now has admiralty rules in the federal high court due to the conference’s proposals.
Speaking about the existing Nigeria Shippers Council Act, he stated that it was passed in 1978 and that, considering how
quickly the maritime industry is developing and the numerous innovations that are occurring in it,
Over the years, numerous conventions have been accepted, and the nation should incorporate certain fundamental standards into its legal system.
“The President has determined that focusing on the blue economy is essential to growing the economy, so we need a strong law that can bring the maritime sector up to date with the current realities.
We also need to update the laws to reflect the modern realities of the maritime sector.”
“Our hope is that the law will provide the necessary regulatory framework for the industry, enabling businesses to expand and improving the Nigerian maritime sector,” the speaker stated.
