The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reaffirmed the pivotal role of the judiciary in harnessing the full benefits of Nigeria’s emerging Blue Economy.
Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, made this assertion at the 4th Edition of the Admiralty Law Colloquium held in Lagos, themed “Charting the Course of Nigeria’s Blue Economy”. The event underscored the growing national commitment to leveraging maritime resources for sustainable economic development.In his welcome address, Mobereola emphasised that realising Nigeria’s Blue Economy vision requires “an all-hands-on-deck approach”, identifying the judiciary as a crucial partner.
“The judiciary remains central to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy, through the interpretation of legal instruments and judicial decisions that shape industry standards and foster growth”, he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat OlatoKekere-Ekun, represented by Hon. Justice Emmanuel Agim, commended NIMASA and the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) for their sustained collaboration in organising the colloquium. She highlighted the importance of building judicial capacity in admiralty law to ensure effective maritime governance.
“Our task is to ensure that Nigeria’s Blue Economy transcends conceptual aspirations to become a tangible driver of growth, equity, and sustainability. The judiciary must not stand as a passive observer on the shoreline but as an active navigator steering the ship of justice through the complex waters of maritime development”, she remarked.
The first session featured presentations by maritime law experts Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, and Dr. Chukwuchefu Ukatta, who both stressed the need for synergy between judicial processes and the advancement of the Blue Economy.A panel discussion chaired by Director General of NIALS,
Professor A.J. Abikan, followed the presentations and concluded with an interactive session involving participants. Notable attendees included the President, Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem, represented by Hon. Justice E.O. Williams-Dawodu, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, represented by Hon. Justice Ayokunle Faji.The Admiralty Law Colloquium is jointly organised by NIMASA and NIALS, with support from the National Judicial Institute (NJI). The annual event serves as a platform to strengthen the adjudication of maritime cases, enhance maritime security, and promote the growth of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.