The Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute NJI has concluded plans to host the 17th edition of its International Maritime Seminar for Judges. The three-day event would be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation H.E Senator George Akume, KSJI, fnim,

According to a statement by the Assistant Director, Public Relations Unit of the Council, Rebecca Adamu

the event, which is a must- attend for stakeholders, will take place at the Abuja Continental Hotel (former Abuja Sheraton Hotel), Ladi Kwali Centre from Tuesday, July 9 – Thursday, July11 2024, from 9:00am – 5:00pm daily.

The statement reads in part: “The objective of the seminar is to update the knowledge of participants, Justices, Judges, in-house counsel, legal practitioners, captains of industry etc. on contemporary issues and developments in International Maritime Law and Admiralty Practice, as it impacts Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.

“An array of eminent jurists, erudite scholars and seasoned maritime/legal practitioners from the judiciary and foreign experts will deliver papers aimed at addressing several burning and complex issues bedevilling the maritime industry such as Legal Issues in Nigerian Seaports Trade Facilitation, Shipping in the Age of Innovation and Climate Change: The Role of Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vessels and Decarbonisation.”

Other topics for discussion include ADR as an Effective Tool in the Resolution of Maritime Disputes: Current Developments and Matters Arising, Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules 2023 and Matters Arising – An Appellate Perspective to Admiralty Jurisdiction in Nigeria and Maritime Law in 2024.

It was gathered that the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule would be the Special Guest of Honour while the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON would be the Chief Host, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E Adegboyega Oyetola, CON will be the host of the occasion.

The statement also said that distinguished dignitaries expected at the occasion include the Chief Justices of The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, along with some Justices / Judges of their respective judiciaries.

Other participants expected at the seminar include Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Judges of the Federal and State High Courts, Legal Advisers, in-house Counsel, legal and maritime practitioners as well as industry stakeholders.