The Acting Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kayode Ariwoola has said that the Judicial arm of government is solidly behind the training and retraining of judges
Justice Ariwoola stated this in his address delivered at the International Maritime Seminar for Judges held at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
The jurist, who was also the Special Guest of honour at the programme, maintained that the International Seminar for Judges has improved the capacity of judicial officials by equipping them with rudimentary knowledge of maritime laws
He said that the Judiciary lays more emphasis on continuous training which is one of the critical elements that guarantee the independence of Judiciary in the country.
In his words ” Let me stress here that the National judicial policy lays more emphasis on continuous training as one of the critical elements that guarantee the independence of the Judiciary.
” In addition, training will also add value to the quality and efficiency of the judicial system, which Judges have been known for. I can say without contradiction that judges who have participated in the seminar in the past have become more equipped with knowledge of rudimentary maritime laws
He called on the National Judicial Council to deepen the collaborative engagement with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to aid the course of justice and enhance speedy dispensation of admiralty matters in the country.
The Honourable Minister of Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Sarak who has not been posted to another Ministry was represented by the Director, Procurement, Hussein Adamu
Her words ” It is worth mentioning that the seminar series have contributed immensely in charting policy direction of government in the maritime sector”.
” I am happy to state that the Federal Government will continue to rely on the outcomes of the Forum for policy enunciation.
” The importance of speedy dispensation of maritime matters by the courts can never be emphasized. As we all know, in international commercial transactions, time is money and it is more so in a multi -billion Dollars industry of ours.
” It is common knowledge that most transportation businesses are taken over by foreigners there by limiting the economic benefits accruable to Nigeria in the areas of jobs creations, freight and insurance earnings”.
While assuring that the Ministry of Transportation is solidly behind the Shippers’ Council towards ensuring smooth and effective realization of its mandate as the port economic regulator.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of 2022 International Maritime Seminar for Judges, Hon. Justice John Tsoho felicitated with Hon. Justice Kayode Ariwoola on his appointment as the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.
Hon. Justice Tsoho who is also the Chief Judge of Federal High Court said the seminar has put on the front- burner issues in maritime laws for discussion by professionals of diverse backgrounds from across the globe.
Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Bode Rhodes Vivour said that the seminar has provided a specialized forum for officials to be well equipped with requisite skills and knowledge as a mean to efficient and effective judicial resolution maritime cases. It is part of building capacity in the field of maritime and other related matters.
The maritime sector, he said, constitutes a vital sector of any economy blessed with maritime resources. According to him, the sector is recognized globally as one with enormous potential for facilitating and maintaining development.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, appreciated the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kayode Ariwoola and other Chief Judges from Anglophone countries for their presence at the programme.
In an interview with the Shipper, the NSC boss expressed delight that the International Seminar for Judges took place.
Speaking with the Shipper, former Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello, said that the International Maritime Seminar for Judges drive the maritime sector. ” Most of the legislations we have today were outcomes of the Judges seminar. Such Legislations include the Merchant Shipping Act, Piracy Law.
Bello also called the unification of Maritime laws in African countries. According to him, laws such as trade law, maritime law, law on carriage of goods and contract law are to be unified in Africa it will add value to Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
