The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has tasked stakeholders in the maritime sector to collaborate to eradicate corruption from the sector.
He said if corruption is not tackled, the cost of doing business would increase, economic growth would be limited, there would be negative impacts on people’s social well-being, the government would be deprived of its legitimate revenue, and tarnish the country’s image.
He gave this charge in Abuja on Tuesday at the 17th edition of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges series organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute.
Akume, while stating that the role of the marine and blue economy ministry is pivotal in driving economic growth, diversification and generating employment in the country, called for the enactment of strong maritime laws.
He said the law would guide the judiciary in resolving maritime disputes and also aid other stakeholders in adopting innovations in shipping technology, such as electronic shipping documentation, and also help address challenges posed by geopolitical conflicts like those in Ukraine and Palestine.
“Corruption is a significant impediment to development and efficiency in any society. 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. I call on all stakeholders to work together to eradicate corruption and corrupt practices from the maritime industry,” he said.
The SGF also said that the maritime sector is a vital part of the economy endowed with marine resources.
“This administration recognizes the essential role and economic significance of the maritime sub-sector in diversifying, revamping, and strengthening the economy,” he said.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola highlighted the importance of maritime law and the need for the review of the NSC’s Act.
He said if business laws are harmonised, it would go a long way in enhancing international investment, reducing transportation and transactional costs and promoting the ease of intra and inter-African trade which is currently encouraged by African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
“As justices and judges, your role is indispensable in interpreting and applying maritime law to resolve disputes, uphold international standards, and promote justice. This seminar is a vital platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and addressing the evolving legal issues that impact our maritime domain. Some of the topics for discussion at this seminar critically examine some current and topical issues in international maritime law.
Similarly, the topics on trade facilitation and alternative dispute resolution are not only relevant but are indeed germane in international trade facilitation,” the Minister said.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, said the seminar calls the attention of the judiciary to the reality that shipping policies of the government need their input to foster economic growth in line with the rule of law.
He said the forum is designed to acquaint participants with emerging developments in the sphere of admiralty law and the challenges that digitalisation and globalisation may throw up on the adjudication of admiralty matters by judges.
“Maritime law in Nigeria, being a specialised area of the law, has witnessed novel developments.
However, taking into consideration the importance of the blue economy and the maritime industry, being the cornerstone of transportation in international commerce, it becomes imperative that seminars of this nature are organised to bring to the front-burner challenges which may impede the development of the industry.
“Concerning the issue of security of the maritime space, I encourage judges at this forum to continue to apprise themselves with the recent innovations of the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act 2019, as it establishes a legal framework for the prosecution of piracy and protection of maritime infrastructure,” he said.
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