NIMASA partners Judiciary to reposition maritime industry
NIMASA partners Judiciary to reposition maritime industry
By Udeme Clement
The maritime sector of the economy is poised for greater development this 2018, as Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency ,NIMASA, is taking steps to work with the Judiciary and other arms of government to reposition the industry for greater productivity, by providing necessary updates on information and law on maritime issues.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside made this known while speaking at the opening programme of 7th Strategic Admiralty Law seminal for Judges, with the theme, ‘Towards effective Admiralty in a Blue Economy’, organised by NIMASA in collaboration with Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies ,NIALS, in Lagos.
According to the DG, “In initiating the seminar, the Agency took cognisance of the complex and time sensitiveness of maritime issues and the requirement for prompt resolutions of such issues. The Agency is not unaware of the complex nature of maritime issues and their attendant requirement for speedy resolutions through Judicial pronouncements by superior Courts of records. This puts pressure not only on those entrusted with the responsibility of responding to economic exigencies, but also on Judicial officers responsible for balancing important notions of justice, contract and the law”
Dr. Peterside pointed out, “The objective of the seminar over the years has been to sensitise Judges on contemporary maritime law issues within and outside Nigeria’s Jurisdiction, as shipping is a multi-jurisdictional enterprise. Therefore, in line with NIMASA’s commitment towards ensuring capacity building for critical stakeholders, we have decided to expand the scope of attendees to cover Justices of the Court of Appeal, because of their critical roles in dispensing justice”.
He went on, “The seminar was initiated by NIMASA for Judges of the Federal High Court, taking into consideration the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court over Admiralty matters. Over the years, the participating audience was expanded to include Judges with State High Courts of littoral states of the Federation and now Justices of the Court of Appeal, because of their critical roles in dispensing justice in admiralty matters” .
The DG continued, “Notwithstanding the stride made by the Agency in areas of safety and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain, the Management of NIMASA equally recognise the need for increased partnership with all stakeholders, the Judiciary inclusive. This is imperative for actualisation of our collective vision for environmental, social and economic growth as well as sustainability of our maritime transport sector in a Blue Economy”.
In his remarks, the DG, NIALS, Prof. Deji Adekunle commended NIMASA for continuous collaboration with relevant stakeholders to develop the industry. “The Institute will continue to partner with NIMASA to ensure a safe and secure maritime space”, he maintained.
Thus, the Strategic Admiralty Law seminar for Judges is an initiative of NIMASA designed to sensitise judges on maritime law issues. This year’s event is the 7th in series and organised by NIMASA in collaboration with NIALS. Some of the dignitaries at the programme include former Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Auta and Hon. Justice Emmanuel Ayoola among other notable legal luminaries.