The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has identified the judiciary as a critical partner in unlocking the full benefits of the country’s emerging Blue Economy, describing it as an indispensable pillar in the nation’s maritime development strategy.

NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, spoke in Lagos at the 4th Edition of the Admiralty Law Colloquium, with: “Charting the Course of Nigeria’s Blue Economy” as theme.

Mobereola said effective judicial interpretation of maritime laws and regulations is key to realising Nigeria’s Blue Economy goals.

“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 its sustainable development,” he stated.

The NIMASA boss emphasised that the judiciary’s role in interpreting and enforcing maritime laws helps raise industry standards, promote investment confidence, and enhance regulatory certainty — all vital ingredients for sustainable maritime growth.

In her keynote, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, represented by Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim (JSC), commended NIMASA and the National Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) for their collaboration in organising the colloquium.

She urged judicial officers to play an active role in shaping the Blue Economy through sound adjudication and policy interpretation.

“The task before us is to ensure that Nigeria’s Blue Economy does not remain a conceptual aspiration but becomes a tangible driver of growth, equity, and sustainability.

“The Judiciary must not stand at the shoreline as a passive observer, but rather as an active navigator — steering the ship of justice through the complex waters of maritime development,” Justice Kekere-Ekun said.

Her remarks drew attention to the need for a strong legal foundation in maritime governance, particularly as Nigeria intensifies efforts to harness its ocean resources for economic diversification and job creation.

The first technical session featured maritime law experts, Dr. Emeka Akabogu (SAN) and Dr. Chukwuchefu Ukatta, who presented papers underscoring the importance of synergy between judicial processes and the operational realities of the maritime industry.

A panel discussion chaired by Prof A. J. Abikan, Director-General of NIALS, followed the presentations. The session provided an interactive platform for judges, lawyers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to exchange views on improving admiralty law adjudication and maritime policy execution.

Among dignitaries at the event were the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice M. B. Dongban-Mensem, represented by Justice E. O. Williams-Dawodu, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho represented by Justice A. Faji.

The Admiralty Law Colloquium, jointly organised by NIMASA and NIALS, with support from the National Judicial Institute (NJI), is held annually to enhance the capacity of judicial officers in maritime law, strengthen maritime security, and advance Nigeria’s Blue Economy framework.

Nigeria’s Blue Economy — estimated by the African Union to be worth over $300 billion continent-wide, encompasses shipping, fisheries, energy, and coastal tourism. Analysts say that robust legal clarity and effective judicial intervention are essential to attract global shipping lines, secure investments, and ensure sustainability.