NIMASA Highlights Judiciary’s Pivotal Role in Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, has emphasised that the nation’s judiciary must play a central role in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s “blue economy” during the 4th Admiralty Law Colloquium held in Lagos.

Speaking under the event theme “Charting the Course of Nigeria’s Blue Economy”, Mobereola said the cost-efficiency and growth of maritime and aquatic sectors hinge significantly on the interpretation of legal instruments, prompt resolution of maritime disputes and legal certainty in shipbuilding, shipping contracts, and coastal resource investment.

He stated: “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.”

In her keynote address, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere‑Ekun (represented by Hon. Justice Emmanuel Akomoye Agim), echoed this view, calling on judicial officers not to remain “passive observers” but to become active navigators steering justice in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The colloquium, organised in partnership between NIMASA, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), brought together senior judges, maritime law experts and industry stakeholders. Topics included admiralty jurisdiction, maritime dispute resolution, piracy suppression, and the regulatory framework needed for the blue economy.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola