Recently, the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges took place at the Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton) Abuja, drawing participation from maritime Stakeholders and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA). In attendance and participating were Justices and Judges from the Nigerian Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, Federal and State High Courts and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.
Judges from Liberia, Ghana, Kenya and Gambia were also in attendance. Maritime lawyers from South Africa, the United Kingdom and Singapore also participated and gave their perspective on issues discussed.
The event aimed to enhance judicial understanding and proficiency in current legal issues in the field of maritime and admiralty law.
The Hon Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Hon Justice A. Ariwoola hosted participants and delegates to a cocktail party at the Supreme Court to welcome all to the three day seminar.
The Seminar commenced inter alia, with insightful addresses by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council Mr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah; the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho and the President of the NMLA, Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN, highlighting the pivotal role of judges in upholding justice and the rule of law, particularly in the maritime industry.
Throughout the seminar, participants engaged in lively discussions sharing best practices and addressing challenges faced in the maritime law landscape.
The event underscored the NMLA’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development among judicial officers, ensuring they remain equipped to administer fair and equitable justice in the area of maritime law, which is of international and universal application. At the end of the event a communique was issued which captured all the recommendations and resolutions reached at the seminar.
There was a gala night to round off the event, at which participants let down their hair and enjoyed an evening of relaxing music and delicious cuisine.
