Oyetola, CJN, SGF Push Judiciary Reforms for Autonomous Shipping, Faster Admiralty Justice
By Sarah Kitka
Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged the Nigerian judiciary to prepare for a new era of maritime disputes driven by autonomous vessels, digital shipping systems and the global transition to cleaner maritime transport.
Speaking at the opening of the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Oyetola said emerging technologies such as autonomous ships, electronic bills of lading and blockchain-enabled cargo documentation were creating new legal challenges involving liability, insurance, contracts and jurisdiction.
He called on judges to strengthen their understanding of evolving international maritime law and emphasised that faster and more efficient resolution of shipping disputes through litigation and arbitration would enhance investor confidence and position Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime hub.
The Minister disclosed that the Federal Government had secured a £746 million financing agreement with the United Kingdom to modernise the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, while the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund would support indigenous shipowners and create about 30,000 jobs. He also noted that Nigeria had maintained four consecutive years without piracy in its territorial waters and that maritime agencies generated over ₦1.8 trillion in 2025.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, , stressed the need for speedy admiralty justice, warning that delays in resolving maritime disputes could undermine trade, investment and port operations. He also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies to improve maritime governance.
Declaring the seminar open, Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, described the maritime sector as critical to international trade and economic growth. She emphasised the need for a responsive and specialised admiralty justice system capable of handling complex, time-sensitive and cross-border disputes, while advocating greater collaboration among courts, regulators and maritime stakeholders.
Also speaking, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to enacting laws and providing oversight to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The three-day seminar has drawn Chief Justices from The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia and Sierra Leone, alongside Nigerian judges, legal scholars, arbitrators and maritime law practitioners.
