CHIEF Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has emphasized the need for robust legal protection, an efficient justice system, and collaboration among judicial jurisdictions to foster global maritime sector growth.
She made these remarks during the opening of the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja, which convened judicial officers, maritime regulators, and legal practitioners from various African countries to enhance maritime jurisprudence.
The seminar was organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ms. Kekere-Ekun emphasized the importance of maritime law as a foundation of global trade, with 90% of international commerce conducted via the oceans.
She highlighted Nigeria’s potential to thrive in the blue economy, contingent upon a reliable legal framework.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria noted that legal certainty fosters investment by ensuring efficient resolution of maritime disputes. Moreover, she urged maritime judges to enhance their expertise to tackle new legal challenges posed by technology, environmental regulations, digital commerce, and international obligations.
“The administration of maritime justice remains indispensable to commercial certainty, investor confidence and sustainable development within the blue economy.
“Judicial dialogue and cooperation across jurisdictions strengthen consistency in interpreting international maritime instruments and resolving increasingly complex disputes.
“Every well-reasoned maritime judgement reinforces confidence in the legal system and strengthens the institutional framework upon which global commerce depends,” she said.
Ms. Kekere-Ekun highlighted the impact of climate change, maritime security, autonomous vessels, and digital shipping on maritime commerce, emphasizing the need for courts to balance commercial certainty with environmental protection.
She urged judges to enhance collaboration and adopt comparative approaches to effectively address complex maritime disputes.
She noted that seminars like the annual maritime forum facilitate ongoing judicial education and the development of consistent maritime jurisprudence in Africa.
Ms. Kekere-Ekun expressed optimism that these discussions would yield practical recommendations to improve maritime adjudication and bolster Nigeria’s standing as a maritime investment hub.