The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola has commended the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) for Organizing training for Judges in a bid to attend speedy adjudication of conflicts in the maritime sector in the Nigeria.
Speaking at the 17th International Judges Seminar in Abuja, the Chief explained that “this forum reminds us about the reality that shipping policies of the government needs the input of the Judiciary to foster economic growth in line with the Rule of Law.
“My Lords, ladies and gentlemen, the National Policy on Justice recommends continuous training as one of the key elements that guarantees the independence of the Judiciary, as well as the quality and efficiency of the judicial system.
“As we are all aware, training and capacity-building is also an integral part of the legal profession for members of the Nigerian Bar and the Bench, irrespective of your chosen field.In light of the foregoing, this Seminar is designed among other things to acquaint participants with emerging developments in the sphere of Admiralty Law and the challenges that digitalization and globalization may throw up on the adjudication of admiralty matters by Judges”.
The CJN further explained that “I can say without contradiction that Judges who might have experienced and participated in this Seminar in the past have become better equipped with knowledge of rudimentary maritime laws in handling complex maritime claims/cases.
“My Lords, I am very happy to note that the Maritime Seminar has attained international recognition, with recent participation of Judges from other parts of the continent, and as we embark upon the proceedings for the 17th edition of this Seminar, I am convinced that this forum will afford stakeholders the opportunity to dialogue on current and emerging issues related to the complex and dynamic subject of Admiralty Law and Practice as it affects the administration of justice in Nigeria.
“My Lords, without pre-empting what the array of speakers lined up for this Seminar will discuss, let me reiterate that Maritime law in Nigeria, being a specialized area of the law, has witnessed novel developments.
“However, taking into consideration the importance of the blue economy and the maritime industry, being the cornerstone of transportation in International Commerce, it becomes imperative that Seminars of this nature are organized to bring to the front-burner challenges which may impede development of the industry.
“Furthermore, in order to put participants on a stronger footing, Judges at this forum would benefit and gain insight from presentations on topics such as- Shipping in the Age of Innovation and Climate Change: The Role of Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vessels and De-carbonization; ADR as an effective Tool in the Resolution of Maritime Disputes: Current Developments and Matters Arising; Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules 2023 and Matters Arising among several others”.
Ariwoola said”with regard to the issue of Security of the Maritime space, I encourage Judges at this forum to continue to apprise themselves with the recent innovations of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act 2019, as it establishes a legal framework for the prosecution of piracy and protection of maritime infrastructure.
“In rounding off my brief remarks, I want to specially commend the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Ukeyima Akutah, MON and his Management team, for their unwavering commitment in the discharge of their statutory obligations amongst which includes the protection of cargo interests of Nigerians through series of advocacy and enlightenment programs from time to time, such as this forum.
“I am aware that this Seminar has contributed immensely in influencing far reaching policy decisions of the government in the shipping and transport industry and has led to the domestication of important maritime conventions like the Hamburg Rules as well as the enactment of important legislations like the Merchant Shipping Act; aside, of course, from contributing to the speedy adjudication of maritime disputes coming before the Judges of the Federal High Court which is the court of first instance for admiralty matters”the CJN stated.
