FG Pledges to Implement Maritime Justice Reforms to Boost Nigeria’s Blue Economy

The Federal Government has pledged to implement key maritime justice reforms arising from the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, saying a credible and efficient maritime justice system is essential for attracting investment, facilitating trade and unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potential.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the commitment on Wednesday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the three-day seminar organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.

Akume said maritime justice goes beyond legal practice, stressing that delays in resolving maritime disputes have direct consequences on trade, investor confidence and the cost of goods for ordinary Nigerians.

“When a maritime claim is delayed in court, trade suffers. When a ship arrest is poorly executed, investor confidence falls. When cargo liability disputes go unresolved, the cost of importing essential goods rises, and it is ordinary Nigerians who bear that cost,” he said.

The SGF disclosed that his office would support the implementation of resolutions reached at the seminar, particularly those requiring legislative intervention, executive action and inter-agency collaboration.

According to him, recommendations relating to legislative amendments would be channelled through the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice, while issues requiring the ratification of international conventions would receive executive attention.

“The work done in this hall over the next three days should not remain in this hall. It must find expression in policy, legislation, institutional reform and ultimately in the daily experience of every Nigerian who does business through our ports or seeks justice in our courts,” Akume stated.

Senator Akume described maritime justice reforms as fundamental to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the Blue Economy, noting that no investor would commit capital to Nigeria’s maritime sector without confidence in the country’s dispute resolution mechanisms.

He said the Federal Government remains committed to building a predictable and professionally competent maritime ecosystem capable of positioning Nigeria as a competitive player in global shipping and trade.

The SGF also called for stronger collaboration among key maritime institutions, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal High Court.

He stressed that these agencies must work in harmony through information sharing and regulatory alignment to improve efficiency across the sector.

Akume commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for sustaining the International Maritime Seminar for Judges since 1995, describing it as one of Africa’s most respected judicial learning platforms.