Interpretation of legal instruments vital for Nigeria’s blue economy — NIMASA DG

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, on Wednesday said that Nigeria’s blue economy requires an “all hands on deck” approach, with the Judiciary as a crucial actor, where interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions remains a vital tool for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Speaking in Lagos during the 4th Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium, the NIMASA DG implored participants to immerse themselves in the discussions and proffer strategies to chart the course for Nigeria’s blue economy.

Mobereola said, “I welcome you to the 4th Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium, themed ‘Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Blue Economy”.

“Nigeria’s Blue Economy agenda, evidenced by the creation of a Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy with the mandate to institutionalise blue economy as an essential pillar for economic diversification. It encompasses a holistic vision for leveraging our marine resources to drive socio-economic growth, strengthen regulatory frameworks, develop human resources, and ensure safety, security and environmental sustainability.

“In this vein, the Agency is working tirelessly to secure and advance Nigeria’s blue economy through continuous development of strategies, approaches and mechanisms that balance economic and sectoral growth.

“Key initiatives initiated include: The review and update of existing regulatory frameworks in alignment with global best practices; Ratification and domestication of key IMO and ILO Conventions and Protocols; and enhancement of maritime safety and security through the Deep Blue project, which secures our waters.

“Nigeria’s blue economy requires an ‘all hands on deck’ approach, with the judiciary as a crucial actor, where interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions remains a vital tool for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

“As we commence deliberations, I implore participants to immerse themselves in the discussions and proffer strategies to chart the course for Nigeria’s blue economy.”

In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kekere-Ekun, said that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which has the mandate to harness the country’s vast marine resources for sustainable economic growth, improved livelihood and job creation, is a testament to the administrative focus of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Chief Justice of the Federation, who was represented by Justice Emmanuel Agim, added that harnessing the full benefits of Nigeria’s maritime endowment faces persistent challenges, including illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing; oil theft and pipeline vandalism; piracy and armed robbery against ships; environmental degradation; weak regulatory enforcement; and inadequate judicial understanding of maritime and admiralty law.

“There is a need to continuously engage with relevant stakeholders to surmount these challenges. Indeed, establishing a sustainable and efficient blue economy requires an integrated institutional response, supported by a judiciary that is not only independent but also knowledgeable and agile in handling maritime-related disputes.

“The judiciary, though not a direct participant in maritime trade or resource exploitation, occupies a pivotal role in ensuring that the framework supporting the Blue Economy is founded on law, order, and justice.

“Commerce thrives where the rule of law is strong, where disputes are resolved efficiently, and where judicial interpretation provides clarity and predictability. Our courts are the custodians of maritime jurisprudence — from the enforcement of contracts for carriage of goods by sea, to issues of marine insurance, ship arrest, pollution control, piracy, and now, emerging frontiers such as offshore renewable energy and marine biotechnology,” the CJN added.

Goodwill speeches were also delivered by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, and the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, amongst others.

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