Positive Applauds As Mfon Ekong Usoro Launches Book On Maritime, International Trade – Samuel Benjamin

In a convivial atmosphere with positive words about the author, the book, “International Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea: Text, Cases, and Materials,” written by Mfon Ekong Usoro, was launched in Lagos recently.

At the event were not just stakeholders but also key players in maritime and international trade. Many of the attendance were veterans who have institutional memories of the growth of the marine sector in Nigeria and vividly recalled the roles Usoro played, including serving as the first and only female Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) so far.

The book launch ceremony chaired by former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, had in attendance critical stakeholders in the maritime and law profession that included Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Aliko Dangote, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and his predecessor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel; Founding Chairman and Editor-in-Chief,  THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel,  Prince Nduka Obaigbena and former Minister of Transportation, Dr. Abiye Sekibo.

Of note is that all those who spoke highlighted the author’s passion for the development of the maritime sector, spotlighting her several commitments to the growth of the sector. Reason they all not only poured encomium on the author but also endorsed the book. They noted that aside the author is an expert in the field of discourse, she simplified the topics discussed in the book.

Commenting, Kekere-Ekun, who wrote the book’s forward, said the publication would serve as a foundational text that would enhance the judiciary’s capacity to resolve disputes related to trade and shipping efficiently.

“By simplifying complex concepts through case studies, diagrams and statutory references, the book will strengthen the quality of judicial decisions and enhance legal education in this essential sector. This text is exactly what our legal system needs. It commands respect for local precedents while drawing on legal judgments from other jurisdictions, guiding our courts to a uniform approach and giving our practitioners the confidence to negotiate, mitigate and arbitrate across borders.”

She praised Usoro for her contributions to legal profession, stating that the book reflects the author’s years of legal practice and her commitment to institutional improvement.

She added that with over 90 percent of Nigeria’s international trade conducted by sea, there is a strong need for clear legal rules that can guide transactions and resolve disputes efficiently.

Leading the goodwill message, founder of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, in his goodwill message, described the book as essential for businesses operating in global trade. “This is the kind of resource that improves certainty in commercial transactions and boosts confidence among business operators.” He applauded Usoro for her contribution to trade and legal practice in Nigeria.

The book, which integrates both local and international legal standards, aims to serve as a reference point for legal professionals, regulators, financial institutions and participants in the trade and shipping industries.

Reviewing the book, Adedolapo Akinrele, SAN, described the text as a unique, structured resource, citing over 200 cases, extensive chapters and global conventions to illustrate key concepts in maritime and international trade law. He emphasised its practicality and relevance to both seasoned professionals and new entrants in the legal and commercial sectors. He noted the scholarly depth and practical relevance in the book.

“When I first saw the book, I was daunted. But upon reading, I found a structured, authoritative text that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This book is not just a publication; it is a reference point for those navigating the complexities of international trade,” he stated.  He added that the book captures the interplay between commerce, sea transport, banking, and insurance, offering clarity on laws, conventions, and standards.

Akinrele also emphasised the importance of legal reliability and predictability in enabling Nigeria to play a leading role in Africa’s maritime renaissance.  “Our legal system is an essential component of business and trade. This book equips our bar, bench, and business sectors with the knowledge necessary for global engagement,” he said.

The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Udom Emmanuel set the ball rolling when he stepped to the podium to eulogize the author.

Emmanuel described Mrs. Usoro as a proud daughter of the state who always delivers on any assignment that is given to her by the Akwa Ibom State government over the years.

The erstwhile governor specifically thumbs her up on her roles and responsibilities as the Chairman, Ibom Deep Seaport project among other assignments the state government has asked her to do and she delivered without looking back.

In his remarks, Governor Eno lauded Mrs. Usoro for holding the flag of Akwa Ibom State high in her chosen profession. He also thanked her for the various roles she has played in the sustainable development of the oil and gas rich state.

On her part, Ezenwa said: “Mrs. Usoro has proven to be an intellectual giant in the maritime sector of the economy. I will like her ideas to cascade to the grassroots and we will do whatever we can to support her in this regard.”

Sarumi in his remarks stated that it was policy makers and policy executors including himself that discovered the author decades ago.

His words: “We discovered Mfon in 1996 and we will not let her alone. The Federal Government of Nigeria owes you a national honour and commendation. We thank you for what you have done and still doing in the maritime sector of the economy.”

The governor who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem stated that Lagos, whose ports account for over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s import and export traffic, is building itself into a global maritime hub. From the Lekki Deep Sea Port to the redevelopment of Tin Can Island as Lagos is not waiting for the future but engineering it.

He described the new book as timely, adding that ports are more than concrete, and trade corridors more than infrastructure, what gives them life and legitimacy are the legal regimes that govern them.

Sanwo-Olu praised Usoro’s legacy. His words: “Through her lifetime of exceptional service — as the first Director General of NIMASA, a reformer, a negotiator, and a teacher — she has built the scaffolding upon which maritime safety, trade efficiency, and legal consistency can rest.”

Others who were at the event include the President of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria, Prince (DR.) Segun Ochuko Obayendo; Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa; Secretary General, Abuja MoU, Mr. Sunday Umoren; former Director General, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside; and the CEO, African Circle Pollution Management Limited (ACPML), Mr. Umar Abubakar.

Also in attendance were the former Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi; Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Kelvin Okonma; former President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Olumide Akpata; renown ship owner and pioneer President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; former Acting Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Founder, Le Look Nigeria Limited, Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa; former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen (retired); former President of NBA and husband of the author, Mr. Paul Usoro, SAN; Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN; Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN; former Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, Mrs. Funmilayo Olotu; former Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Port Harcourt, Chief (Mrs.) Carolyn Akum Ufere; Senator Udo Udoma; and the Group  CEO, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun also graced the occasion.

Others were the pioneer Editor and creator of THISDAY Lawyer, Ms. Olufunke Aboyade, SAN; Secretary General, African Ship-Owners Association, Mrs. Funmilayo Folorunsho; Principal Partner, Etomi and Partners Mr. George Etomi; former President of SOAN, Dr. Mkgeorge Onyung; former CEO, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; and the Principal Partner, Akabogu and Associates, Mr. Emeka Akabogu.

Those who were represented at the event include Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; former Minister of Transportation, Right Hon. Rotimi Amaechi; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla; Director General and CEO, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Executive Secretary and CEO, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah; and the Managing Director and  CEO, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho