The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has identified the judiciary as a critical partner in harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated this at the 4th Edition of the Admiralty Law Colloquium held in Lagos, themed “Charting the Course of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.”
The event reflected growing national recognition of the maritime sector’s potential to drive economic growth and sustainable development.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Mobereola said, “Nigeria’s Blue Economy requires an all-hands-on-deck approach, with the Judiciary as a crucial actor, where interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions remains a vital tool for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.”
He underscored the judiciary’s pivotal role in interpreting existing maritime laws, thereby shaping industry standards and supporting the development of the Blue Economy.
In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, represented by Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim, JSC, CFR, commended NIMASA and the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) for their collaboration in hosting the colloquium.
She described the initiative as central to enhancing the capacity of judicial officers in admiralty law.
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According to the Chief Justice, “The task before us is to ensure that Nigeria’s Blue Economy does not remain a conceptual aspiration but becomes a tangible driver of growth, equity, and sustainability.
“The judiciary must not stand at the shoreline as a passive observer but rather as an active navigator—steering the ship of justice through the complex waters of maritime development.”
The first technical session featured renowned maritime law experts Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, and Dr. Chukwuchefu Ukatta, who presented papers aligned with the colloquium’s theme.
They highlighted the need for stronger synergy between judicial processes and the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
A panel discussion chaired by Professor A. J. Abikan, Director General of NIALS, followed the presentations, alongside an interactive session with participants to round off the event.
Dignitaries present included the President of the 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 A. Faji.
The Admiralty Law Colloquium is an annual event jointly organised by NIMASA and NIALS, with the support of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
The forum aims to deepen discussions on maritime law, enhance adjudication, promote maritime security, and strengthen Nigeria’s Blue Economy.