The Federal Government has pledged to implement key recommendations from the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, saying an efficient maritime justice system is critical to attracting investment, easing trade, and unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potential.
The commitment was made on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, at the opening of the seminar in Abuja.
The event was organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
Senator Akume said delays in maritime dispute resolution have direct consequences for the economy and ordinary citizens.
“When a maritime claim is delayed in court, trade suffers. When a ship arrest is poorly executed, investor confidence falls. When cargo liability disputes go unresolved, the cost of importing essential goods rises, and it is ordinary Nigerians who bear that cost,” he stated.
The SGF, according to a statement by Yomi Odunuga, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, disclosed that his Office will drive the implementation of resolutions reached at the three-day seminar, particularly those requiring legislative intervention, executive action and inter-agency collaboration.
He said recommendations bordering on legislative amendments would be forwarded to the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice, while issues requiring ratification of international conventions would receive executive attention.
“The work done in this hall over the next three days should not remain in this hall. It must find expression in policy, legislation, institutional reform and ultimately in the daily experience of every Nigerian who does business through our ports or seeks justice in our courts,” Akume said.
Describing maritime justice as foundational to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the Blue Economy, the SGF noted that investors require confidence in Nigeria’s dispute resolution mechanisms before committing capital to the maritime sector.
He said government is committed to building a “predictable and professionally competent maritime ecosystem” that can position Nigeria as a competitive player in global shipping and trade.
Akume also called for stronger collaboration among key maritime institutions including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NIMASA, NPA, Nigeria Customs Service, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and the Federal High Court.
He stressed that the agencies must harmonize through information sharing and regulatory alignment to improve efficiency across the sector.
The SGF commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for sustaining the International Maritime Seminar for Judges since 1995, describing it as one of Africa’s most respected judicial learning platforms.
He welcomed judicial officers from Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Kenya and Liberia, expressing optimism that the seminar would deepen regional cooperation, harmonize business laws and promote maritime trade across Africa.
The three-day seminar brings together judges, maritime law experts and stakeholders from across the continent to deliberate on contemporary issues in maritime law and dispute resolution.