Faster maritime dispute resolution key to unlocking blue economy investment – CJN

Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Nigeria’s Chief Justice, has called for faster resolution of maritime disputes, saying delays in the judicial process discourage investment and limit the country’s ability to benefit from the blue economy.

Speaking at the opening of the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja on Wednesday, Kekere-Ekun said investors are more likely to commit capital in countries where commercial disputes are resolved fairly and on time.

She said a more predictable maritime justice system would strengthen investor confidence, improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade and position the country as a destination for maritime investment.

The seminar, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute, brought together judges, maritime regulators, lawyers and participants from several African countries to discuss developments in maritime law.

Kekere-Ekun described maritime law as a pillar of international trade, noting that almost 90 per cent of global trade is transported by sea.

She said Nigeria has opportunities to grow its blue economy through shipping, ports, fisheries and other marine resources, but achieving that potential depends on a legal system that delivers timely and predictable outcomes.

“The administration of maritime justice remains indispensable to commercial certainty, investor confidence and sustainable development within the blue economy,” she said.

She said changes in the shipping industry, driven by digital technology, climate policies, environmental regulations and autonomous vessels, have increased the complexity of maritime disputes. According to her, judges must continue to strengthen their knowledge to keep pace with these developments.

Kekere-Ekun also called for greater cooperation among courts across jurisdictions, saying consistent interpretation of international maritime conventions would improve cross-border dispute resolution and strengthen confidence in global shipping and trade.

George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said an efficient maritime justice system is an economic necessity, warning that prolonged litigation raises business costs, delays trade and weakens investor confidence.

“When maritime claims are delayed, trade suffers, investor confidence declines and the cost of doing business increases,” Akume said.

He said the Federal Government views maritime justice as a key part of its economic diversification agenda and would continue to support reforms aimed at improving maritime adjudication and coordination among agencies responsible for ports, shipping regulation, customs, maritime safety and the judiciary.

According to him, stronger collaboration among these institutions would create a more predictable business environment, improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global shipping and attract more private investment into the maritime sector.

Akume also urged judges from Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia to deepen regional judicial cooperation, saying harmonised legal frameworks would support cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Participants at the seminar agreed that faster resolution of maritime disputes is essential to reducing business risks, improving legal certainty and positioning Nigeria as a maritime trade and investment hub in Africa.