By Alex Akao 

The fledging Marine and Blue economy under the current administration’s, economic agenda got a boost, midweek, with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Mulikat Kekere-Ekun,  and the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, rallying the support of the judiciary in easying it’s operations. 

The event took place in Lagos, Wednesday, at the 4th Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium held at the Legend Hotel, lkeja.

The colloquium with the theme “Charting the Course for Nigeria’s Blue Economy,”  served as a strategic platform for aligning legal, regulatory, and economic frameworks to unlock the vast potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

Addressing participants at the event, the  CJN who was represented by Justice Emmanuel Akomaye Agim, noted that Nigeria’s blue economy is a national imperative, which the judiciary must play a critical role in driving its growth.

According to him, the relevant arm of the judiciary must be well informed and educated in order to enhance timely maritime jurisprdence adjudication, which is vital for sustainable development and in attracting foreign direct investment

She noted that Admiralty Law requires specialized understanding, and judges must be equipped to navigate complex legal issues.

“Efficient dispute resolution is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment and promoting economic growth,” she added.

Earlier in his welcome address, NIMASA boss, Dr. Mobereola emphasized the importance of institutionalizing ocean-based economic activities.

While noting that the colloquium provided a platform for aligning legal, regulatory, and economic frameworks to unlock Nigeria’s maritime potential, Dr Mobereola said with a unified vision for maritime growth, the judiciary, government, and stakeholders are working together to drive Nigeria’s blue economy forward.

He emphasized that the blue economy is no longer a peripheral ambition but a national imperative noting that with the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Nigeria is poised to institutionalize ocean-based economic activities as a cornerstone of diversification.

 “Our vision is holistic. We are leveraging marine resources to drive socio-economic growth, enhance safety and security, and align our regulatory frameworks with global best practices”, Mobereola said.

He highlighted key initiatives such as the domestication of international conventions, the Deep Blue maritime security project, and the continuous review of legal instruments, thus asserting that the judiciary remains a critical actor in this transformation.

 “Interpretation of legal instruments and case decisions is vital for sustainable development. Without judicial clarity and efficiency, our blue economy can not thrive”.

In his contribution, the National Judicial Institute (NJI) Administrator, Justice Babatunde Adejumo speaking on “Admiralty Law Demands Specialized Understanding” underscored the complexity of admiralty law, which intersects international conventions, environmental regulation, and commercial contracts.

According to him, “maritime disputes are not conventional. They involve charter parties, bills of lading, marine insurance, and cross-border claims. Judges must be equipped to navigate these waters. “

 He lauded the idea of the colloquium as a rare forum for cross-sector dialogue, promoting consistency in judicial reasoning and enhancing Nigeria’s maritime governance. 

Also speaking on “The Rule of Law Is Our Compass”,  Justice John  Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, reaffirmed the court’s constitutional mandate in admiralty matters.

 “The Federal High Court does not view this colloquium as an ordinary event, but as a strategic imperative,” just as he noted that the Blue Economy, spanning shipping, marine tourism, fisheries, and ocean energy is Nigeria’s next frontier.

To this end, he called for judicial foresight, precision, and alignment with international protocols.

“Our judges must be abreast of global best practices. This colloquium is vital for continuous judicial education,” he added, while also stressing the importance of efficient dispute resolution in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).

 “Investors need confidence that their assets and contracts are protected by a predictable and sophisticated legal system. The rule of law is the compass guiding the success of Nigeria’s maritime sector.”

The event brought together justices from the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and Federal High Court, alongside maritime administrators and legal scholars