Maritime lawyers have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give immediate assent to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, describing the proposed legislation as a key step toward deepening reforms and enhancing operational efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The appeal was made by the President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Chief Michael Igbokwe, during the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Justices held in Abuja. He noted that the bill, which seeks to create an independent economic regulator for the nation’s ports, has been presented to the President on two occasions and should be signed into law without further delay.
According to Igbokwe, the legislation would reinforce the regulatory responsibilities of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, improve port operations and increase investor confidence in the maritime sector.
“We call on Mr President to expedite assent to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, which has come before him twice.
“Its implementation by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will enable the government and Nigerians to enjoy the full benefits of ongoing port reforms,” Igbokwe said.
He also appealed to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to establish an admiralty registry and strengthen the court’s admiralty division in line with the Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules 2023. According to him, specialised judicial structures are critical to ensuring the timely resolution of maritime disputes.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the Tinubu administration has put in place the institutional, regulatory and economic framework needed to drive sustainable growth in the marine sector. He added that the government had formulated Nigeria’s first National Policy on the Marine Economy to guide the sector’s long-term development.
Oyetola further stated that the Deep Blue Project has successfully eliminated piracy within Nigeria’s territorial waters for four consecutive years, significantly improving the safety of the country’s maritime domain for global shipping and commercial activities.
Also addressing participants, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the Renewed Hope Agenda has positioned the blue economy as a major national priority. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to harnessing the maritime sector’s potential to boost trade, attract investment, generate employment and support economic diversification.
