SGF Calls for Faster Admiralty Justice, Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration to Unlock Nigeria’s Maritime Potential
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, July 22, 2026 — Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called for the speedy dispensation of admiralty justice and stronger collaboration among government institutions to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Speaking as Chairman at the opening of the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja on Wednesday, Akume stressed that efficient and timely resolution of maritime disputes is critical to boosting trade, attracting investment, improving port operations and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.
The seminar, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), brought together judicial officers, maritime experts and stakeholders from Nigeria and across Africa to deliberate on emerging legal issues in the maritime sector.
The SGF warned that delays in the administration of admiralty justice could have far-reaching consequences for shipping, international trade and the nation’s economy, noting that investors require confidence in the country’s legal system before committing resources.
He also urged government agencies to abandon silo operations, emphasizing that the complexity of the marine and blue economy demands coordinated action among all relevant institutions.
According to Akume, the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening inter-agency cooperation to improve port efficiency, facilitate trade, streamline maritime operations and accelerate the growth of the sector.
The event also featured a keynote address by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who urged the judiciary to prepare for emerging legal challenges arising from autonomous ships, digital shipping systems and the global transition to cleaner maritime transport.
Oyetola noted that advances in maritime technology, including electronic bills of lading, blockchain-enabled cargo documentation and autonomous vessels, would create new legal questions relating to liability, insurance, contractual obligations and jurisdiction.
He said the Federal Government would continue to strengthen the legal framework for maritime dispute resolution by supporting specialised maritime divisions within the Federal High Court, aligning domestic legislation with international conventions and promoting maritime arbitration.
The Minister also highlighted recent achievements in the sector, including a £746 million financing agreement with the United Kingdom for the modernisation of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, the planned disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, four consecutive years without piracy in Nigerian waters through the Deep Blue Project, and over ₦1.8 trillion generated by maritime agencies in 2025.
Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who declared the seminar open, underscored the importance of a responsive and specialised admiralty justice system, warning that delays in resolving maritime disputes could undermine investor confidence and disrupt international trade.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to providing the legislative support required to drive the growth of the maritime sector.
The three-day seminar is attended by Chief Justices from The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia and Sierra Leone, alongside Justices of Nigeria’s Supreme and Appeal Courts, Federal and State High Court judges, legal scholars, arbitrators and maritime law practitioners. It will conclude on July 24, 2026.
