… Urges Shippers’ Council, National Judicial Institute to sustain collaborative effort
The Chief Judges of the Federation (CJN), Justice Kayode Ariwoola has harped on continuous training and capacity development for judges and law practitioners on admiralty and other law practices.
Justice Ariwoola stated this at the 17th International Seminar for Judges held at Abuja Continental Hotel.
Justice Ariwoola who was the Special Guest of Honour at the 17th International Seminar for Judges said the essence of the seminar is to get the lawyers and judges acquainted with knowledge admiralty and other related law matters.
He called on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and National Judicial Council to sustain the collaborative effort to organize the judges seminar.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said that the nation’s maritime sector is pivotal in the diversification of the non-oil sector, adding that the Federal government recognized the contribution of the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy to the economy.
The SGF said shipping, as a subset of the maritime is. generally adjusted as a cornerstone of transportation which involves the shipment of cargoes to the country.
The Honourable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola lauded the initiative to focus the seminar on contemporary issues and developments in International Maritime Laws.
The Minister describes maritime sector as a dynamic field that necessitates comprehensive legal and regulatory systems.
” As many of you are now aware, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and National Judicial Institute have been actively collaborating since 1995 when the first seminar was held with the objective of educating and providing the justices of our superior courts with the knowledge of contemporary development in the complex and dynamic subject of admiralty laws and practices as it affects the administration of justice in Nigeria.
” As justices, your role is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime laws to resolve disputes, uphold international standard and promote justice.
” This seminar is a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices and addressing the evolving legal issues that impact our maritime domain “, he said.
Oyetola added the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy has been working asssidously to repeal the Act establishing the Nigerian Shipper’s Council for proper execution of its regulatory mandate at the ports.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the 17th International Seminar for Judges, Justice John Tsoho has said that the nation’s maritime sector is endowed with resources, adding that the President administration recognized the sector as a contributor to the country’s economy.
Speaking , the Administrator, National Judicial Council (NJC), Hon. Justice Salisu Garba said that the importance of the seminar is underscored the fact that admiralty law and maritime practice are crucial to the development of the national economy and sacrosanct the international trade.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi said judicial enlightenment and continuous education are pivotal in ensuring the seamless administration of justice, particularly the complex and ever-evolving field of shipping and maritime laws.
He commended Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the National Judicial Council for coming up with the initiative.
According to the CG, the primary responsibility of Customs is trade facilitation and to meet this obligation requires the conceited efforts of the stakeholders.
The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency Abdullahi Sule who was represented at the event said the seminar promotes best practices, discusses emerging issues and as well as enhances the capacity of Nigerian judiciary in handing complex maritime cases.
He was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice in the State, Labaran Mogaji.
