Dear distinguished member,
Today marks the anniversary of the first three months since you entrusted the new Executive Council with the mandate to manage the activities of our very esteemed Association. Since then, the EXCO has been very active, and I find it useful to bring you up-to-date with what has been happening since that time. Suffice to say that the ride has been both jolly and serious with important milestones achieved.
9th April 2021 – Elections and Public Lecture

The Association held a Public Lecture on the theme ‘Derogation of the Admiralty Jurisdiction – Way Forward’. The lecture was delivered by the immediate past President of the Association, Mr. Chidi Ilogu, SAN and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Adedoyin Afun. It raised such fundamental issues relating to the jurisdictional status of crew wage claims including the possibility of advancing an amicus curiae position in the case of MV Sam Purpose (Ex Tapti) currently before the Supreme Court for the overall benefit of maritime practice.
Exco Meetings
Since the election, there have been 4 Executive Committee meetings – on the 4th March, 20th May, and 11th & 24th June all focused on clearly articulating and implementing crucial mandates for the Association.
15 April – Draft National Maritime Policy for Nigeria
The Association is a part of the sub-committee that has prepared the draft National Maritime Transport Policy for Nigeria which is currently undergoing public scrutiny by stakeholders. The Association’s representative in the sub-committee is the multi-lingual and effervescent Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore. On the 15th of April, she presented the Association’s position paper on the Draft National Maritime Transport Policy for Nigeria at the Committee’s meeting in Uyo.
6 May, 2021 – Wine and Spice at Five Cowrie Creek

The Immediate past President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association Mr. L. Chidi Ilogu, SAN hosted the newly elected Executives to a cocktail party at the swanky grounds of the Five Cowrie Creek, overlooking the Lagos Lagoon at Falomo. With fine wine, spicy roasts and an assortment of delicacies on offer, the past presidents, patrons, senior advocates, esteemed members and industry leaders in attendance couldn’t have asked for more. The learned silk capped it with a first-of-its-kind decoration of the new President with insignia of office.
27 May – General Meeting
There has been one General Meeting held on the 27th of May 2021. At the meeting, Ms. Kashimana Tsumba, who had earlier in the month been unveiled as the latest Partner at Foundation Chambers, delivered a lecture on the topic: “Decarbonisation and Future of Merchant Shipping.” It was very insightful.
11 June 2021 – Statement on Launch of Deep Blue Project
On the 11th of June, 2021, the Association released a press statement congratulating the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian maritime community on the recent launching of the assets of the Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Project also known as the Deep Blue Project, while advising that the assets be effectively deployed and managed.
15-18 June 2021 – Maritime Law and Practice Workshop for Judges

The Association’s continuous advocacy for training of judges reached a crescendo with the delivery the Maritime Law and Practice Workshop for Judges held from 15th – 18th June, 2021. It was an elaborate, robust and highly engaging four-day training across fourteen subject-matter areas for nominated judges of State and Federal High Courts together with some Court of Appeal Judges. The judges were thoroughly impressed and appreciated the Association’s efforts while requesting for more. The Association is working with the NJI to make the training a routine component of the annual calendar of the Institute. More members will be coopted to enable delivery of even better and more impactful workshops. We appreciate all speakers who sacrificed time in preparation of the rich resource materials used in the training.
17 June – Bloomfield Cocktail on the Atlantic

After Foundation Chambers hosted the EXCO on the fringes of the Lagos Lagoon, Bloomfield decided to take us a bit further – this time its ‘Change of Command’ Cocktail Reception for the Executive Committee was at the Lagos Yacht Club Onikan, directly overlooking over the strong waves of the Atlantic. Giant tiger prawns were on the culinary prowl at this event, ably complemented by a choice of drinks. EXCO members were also decorated with newly arrived NMLA lapels, courtesy again, the Immediate Past President, Mr. Chidi Ilogu SAN. We are grateful to Bloomfield for the thoroughly enjoyable reception.
Upcoming Event
The One-Day Maritime Law Seminar of the Association will hold on Thursday 5 August 2021, on the theme: Rights and Obligations in Seaport Cargo Delivery: The Role of Terminal Operators, Shipping Companies and Cargo Interests. This session promises to be very enlightening and will feature a stellar and diverse panel of speakers from both practice and the industry. Watch out for details from next week!
Please feel free to keep us updated with any activities or issues which you think will be of interest to members. Also get involved, there’s a lot you can offer.
Emeka Akabogu Esq
Hon.Secretary
NMLA