The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has called on Judges and other stakeholders to work together in harmony to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices from the maritime industry in the country.
Senator Akume described corruption as part of significant impediment which increases cost of doing business, limits economic growth, negatively impacts social well-being, deprives the government of legitimate revenue and as well as tarnishes the country’s image.
The SGF who is also the Chairman of the occasion at the ongoing 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja organised by Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), said the seminar provides a veritable and specialized opportunity for judicial officers to interact and acquire the requisite knowledge and skills to efficiently and effectively resolve maritime disputes.
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According to him, the maritime sector is a vital part of any economy endowed with marine resources adding that this administration recognizes the essential role and economic significance of the maritime sub-sector in diversifying, revamping, and strengthening the economy.
In a key note address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola said themaritime sector is a complex and dynamic field that necessitates comprehensive legal and regulatory systems.
He said as Justices/Judges, “your role is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime law to resolve disputes, uphold international standards, and promote justice.
“Maritime law is not just about resolving conflicts at sea; it is about safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of nations, corporations, and individuals.
” It ensures the protection of the marine environment, the regulation of maritime commerce, and the security of navigation routes. The rule of law in maritime affairs underpins the stability and prosperity of the global economy.
“If our business laws are harmonized it would go a long way in enhancing International investment, reduce transportation and transactional costs and promote the ease of intra and inter African trade which is currently encouraged by African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
Also, the Administrator, National Judicial Institute, Hon. Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi said as is the norm in other industries, the development of the maritime industry is fraught with multidimensional problems.
He said in light of this, a practical way to address these problems, especially as they relate to the legal aspect, is to convene this periodic Seminar where critical law-related maritime issues are discussed by experts.
The Chairman, Organising Committee of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges , Hon John Tsoho said the International Maritime Seminar for Judges has over the years assumed a distinctive characteristic of not only building the capacity of Nigerian Judges, by updating their knowledge on admiralty law, but, quite significantly, by influencing profound government policies, as well as legislative and judicial pronouncements in the field of the maritime industry and international trade.
The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima said there are some basic requirements that we should adopt in their laws and we need to bring the law to speed to modern realities of the maritime sector and today, Mr. Presidnet has found it necessary to focus attention in the maritime sector to grow the economy.
“So, we need a very strong law that is capable of providing for the modern relaities of this sector.
” We hope the law will give us the regulatory framework to provide regulatory service in this sector especially to come about the efficiency of the sector so that the business will grow and Nigerian economy will be better for it,” he said.
