By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) recently took center stage in promoting Nigeria’s blue economy at the 4th Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium held in Lagos.
The event, themed “Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” brought together stakeholders from the judiciary, maritime administrators, legal scholars, and industry experts to discuss the country’s maritime growth.
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In his welcome address, NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasized that the blue economy is a national imperative, and Nigeria is poised to institutionalize ocean-based economic activities as a cornerstone of diversification.
He highlighted key initiatives such as the domestication of international conventions, the Deep Blue maritime security project, and the continuous review of legal instruments. Mobereola stressed that the judiciary remains a critical actor in this transformation, as interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions is vital for sustainable development.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Justice Emmanuel A. Agim, delivered a sobering message on the consequences of judicial inertia. She noted that delay in quick judicial ruling has a way of killing international trade and investors’ confidence.
This concern echoed throughout the colloquium, reinforcing the urgency of timely and informed adjudication in maritime disputes.
The National Judicial Institute (NJI) Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, speaking on “Admiralty Law Demands Specialized Understanding,” underscored the complexity of admiralty law, which intersects international conventions, environmental regulation, and commercial contracts.
He emphasized that judges must be equipped to navigate these waters and praised the colloquium as a rare forum for cross-sector dialogue, promoting consistency in judicial reasoning and enhancing Nigeria’s maritime governance.
Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, reaffirmed the court’s constitutional mandate in admiralty matters. He emphasized that the Blue Economy—spanning shipping, marine tourism, fisheries, and ocean energy—is Nigeria’s next frontier and called for judicial foresight, precision, and alignment with international protocols.
Justice Tsoho stressed the importance of efficient dispute resolution in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and noted that investors need confidence that their assets and contracts are protected by a predictable and sophisticated legal system.
The colloquium brought together justices from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal High Court, alongside maritime administrators, legal scholars, and industry experts.
Discussions focused on jurisdictional challenges, cabotage enforcement, environmental law, and the legal implications of emerging marine technologies. As Nigeria charts its course through the vast opportunities of its 853-kilometre coastline and expansive maritime domain, the judiciary stands as both compass and anchor—ensuring a steady sail of the voyage toward economic growth.
The event provided a strategic platform for aligning legal, regulatory, and economic frameworks to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain. With a unified vision for maritime growth, the judiciary, government, and stakeholders are working together to drive Nigeria’s blue economy forward.
In conclusion, the judiciary plays a critical role in driving Nigeria’s maritime growth and unlocking the country’s blue economy potential. The colloquium served as a call to action for judges to embrace specialized knowledge, expedite rulings, and provide judicial clarity and efficiency in maritime disputes.
As Nigeria continues to chart its course toward economic growth, the judiciary will remain a critical actor in ensuring the country’s maritime sector thrives.
