FG Urges Stakeholders for Collaborative Fight Against Corruption in Maritime Sector
.... the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework which will help to
eradicate corruption in the maritime industry, stating that the sector is a vital part of any economy endowed with marine resources -- SGF
Emmanuel Oduara
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume called on all stakeholders for collaborative fight against corruption in the maritime sector, he said this at the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, Organised by the Nigerian Shippers Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute under the auspices of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Tuesday, 9th July 2024 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.
"Senator Akume, affirmed President Bola Tinubu's administration commitment of essential role and economic significance of the maritime sub-sector in diversifying, revamping, and strengthening the economy.
"The SGF also noted that the administration supports the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework which will help to
eradicate corruption in the maritime industry, stating that the sector is a vital part of any economy endowed with marine resources.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, in his address, said the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s International Maritime Seminar for Judges will provide practical ways of harmonization and unification of business laws for greater economic integration of the African Continent.
"Oyetola noted, that our business laws should be 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 the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.”
"Oyetola said the Nigerian Government is ready to look into all recommendations arising from the seminar to implement them.
“As you are aware, 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 the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.”
The Minister said the role of the Judges is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime law to resolve disputes, uphold international standards, and promote justice.
"As interpretations and decisions have far-reaching implications, not only for the businesses and individuals operating in the maritime sector but also for the long-term sustainability and resilience of the blue economy, he added.
Oyetola, however called on stakeholders and industry players to support the Ministry in creating a pathway towards diversification of the nation’s economy from oil dependency to non-oil economic prosperity.
Chief Justice of the Federation CJN, Justice Ariwola, while declaring the seminar open, reminded Justices of the immense contribution of the Judiciary in fostering the development of a Nation.
"He called on all stakeholders for a collaborative move between the two bodies having been established several years ago should be a pivot in shaping admiralty laws to ensure that the sector meets the desires of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
"The national policy on the rule of law recognises continuous training as well as key elements that guarantee the independence of the Judiciary including the quality of the judicious system, he added.
“Noting that capacity building and training is part of the legal profession for members of Nigerian bar and benches irrespective of their choosing fields,"
"He pointed out that, judges who might have participated in this seminar in the past have become better equipped with the knowledge of Maritime laws or cases.”
"Justice Ariwola, said in the light of the ongoing, 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."
"Furthermore he noted 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.
“Justice Ariwola noted that the seminar, which has gained international recognition with the attendance of foreign countries in the past, has ushered in the 2024 edition to play a pivotal role in the maritime economy, which is a key economic sector of the country with expected Gross Domestic Production (GDP).”
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Barrister Akutah Pius Ukeyima, said the seminar, which has been taking place for the last 32 years will educate Judges and practitioners on maritime laws to educate them of global current trends in the Maritime sector.
"Mr. Ukeyima said, to meet innovations in the sector, the law needs to be brought to speed to modern realities of the maritime sector.
"He however commended President Tinubu for focusing on the maritime economy, noting that a strong law is necessary to provide for the modern realities of the sector.
The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Governor, Abdullahi Sule, speaking as a special guest, said the seminar will promote a conducive legal framework for the maritime industry as the nation strives to position itself as a global best practices in the maritime sector.
"He however, affirmed the commitment of the Nasarawa State government to work with the Nigerian Shippers Council to advance the interests of the State and the country as a whole.
The Seminar continues, tomorrow, those has in attendance also are Chief Justices and Judges of Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya, and the Gambia among other stakeholders in the country.
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