The federal government has urged maritime players to work together to eliminate corruption in the maritime industry, stressing that the sector is an essential component of any economy endowed with marine resources.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, made the call at the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, which was 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, July 9, 2024, at Abuja Continental Hotel.
Senator Akume stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration recognized the maritime sub-sector’s critical role and economic significance in diversifying, overhauling, and rebuilding the economy, which resulted in the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He further stated that President Tinubu remains committed to meeting Nigeria’s international, regional, and sub-regional duties, particularly those related to international conventions, treaties, and accords to which the country is a signatory.
The SGF also noted that the administration supports the ongoing efforts of the National Assembly towards enacting a robust Port Economic Regulatory Framework for the Port sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said that the government is optimistic that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s International Maritime Seminar for Judges will provide a veritable platform for the harmonization and unification of business laws for greater economic integration of the African Continent.
Oyetola said the federal government is ready to look into all recommendations arising from the seminar to implement them.
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.
He added that the 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.
Mr. Oyetola also 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.
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 promote their efficiency and their knowledge of current trends in the Maritime sector.
Speaking on the Nigerian Shippers Council Act, Mr. Ukeyima said it needs to be repealed to meet the fast-moving trends in the Maritime sector.
According to him, a lot of innovations are coming up in the sector and so the law needs to be brought to speed to modern realities of the maritime sector.
He 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.
