The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has emphasised the importance of a strong and independent judiciary to eradicate corruption in the maritime industry.
This, he said, is essential for encouraging the flow of both foreign and local private sector investments into the country’s maritime sector.
Akume highlighted corruption as a significant impediment to development and efficiency, noting that it increases the cost of doing business, limits economic growth, negatively impacts social well-being, deprives the government of legitimate revenue and tarnishes the country’s image.
Akume made these remarks, yesterday, at the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NCS) and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute.
The seminar, holding from July 9 to 11, 2024, in Abuja, secures the participation of Chief Justices, Justices, and Judges from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Kenya and the Gambia.
The SGF emphasised the need for a robust judiciary in light of globalisation, rapid developments in international trade, maritime law and innovations in shipping technology. He cited challenges such as electronic shipping documentation and geopolitical conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Palestine, as factors necessitating this robustness.
He stated that the current administration recognises the essential role and economic significance of the maritime sub-sector in diversifying, revamping, and strengthening the economy with its endowed marine resources.
Akume further stated that President Bola Tinubu remains committed to fulfilling Nigeria’s international, regional, and sub-regional obligations, particularly regarding international conventions, treaties, and agreements to which Nigeria is a signatory.
The Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Salisu Garba Abdullahi, emphasised that judicial officers charged with the duty of dispensing justice in admiralty matters must stay abreast of contemporary developments in admiralty law and practice. He noted that admiralty law and maritime practice are crucial to the national economy and the advancement of international trade.
Abdullahi highlighted that international commerce and shipping are generally considered the cornerstone of transportation, facilitating the movement of the greatest tonnage of goods and services across continents.
He acknowledged the multidimensional problems in the maritime industry and emphasised the need for practical solutions to promote the advancement of international trade, the national economy, and maritime law and practice.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Ukeyima, noted that with numerous innovations emerging in the maritime sector, the country has adopted several changes in conventions and legal requirements.
He called for stronger laws to bring the maritime sector in line with modern realities, expressing hope that such laws will provide Nigeria with a robust regulatory framework, thereby fostering business growth and sectoral improvement.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscored the critical role of the judiciary in the evolving maritime sector, emphasising its complexity and dynamism.
He stated that maritime law is not just about resolving conflicts at sea but also about safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of nations, corporations, and individuals.
Oyetola pointed out that the rule of law in maritime affairs is crucial for protecting the marine environment, regulating maritime commerce, and ensuring the security of navigation routes, which are fundamental to the global economy’s stability and prosperity.
He advocated for the harmonisation and unification of business laws across Africa to enhance economic integration, boost international investment, reduce transportation and transaction costs, and promote intra and inter-African trade, as encouraged by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, urged judges to continue equipping themselves with effective tools for resolving maritime disputes, staying current with developments, and addressing issues such as maritime security and the suppression of piracy and other maritime offenses.
He noted that the seminar has significantly influenced government policy decisions in the shipping and transportation industry and has led to the domestication of important maritime conventions like the Hamburg rules and the enactment of crucial maritime legislation in Nigeria.
The post ‘Independent judiciary key to FDIs, tackling corruption in maritime’ appeared first on Guardian Nigeria News.
Powered by WPeMatico