International Maritime Seminar for Judges: Customs Boss Applauds Nigeria Shippers Council

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC) for the Council’s 17th edition of international maritime seminar for judges, noting that seminar provides a significant focus on contemporary issues and developments in International maritime law and admiralty practice; especially as it impacts Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.

He added that judicial enlightenment and continuous education is pivotal in ensuring the seamless administration of justice, particularly in the complex and ever-evolving field of shipping and maritime law.

The CGC while speaking at the International seminar for judges in Abuja on Tuesday July 9, 2024 organised by the NSC highlighted the roles of the Customs in facilitating trade said the seminar. He remarked that the seminar is a unique opportunity for judges to gain professional and industry insights, share knowledge, and discuss contemporary issues affecting the industry, which will contribute to informed decision-making in the administration of justice and enhance the overall integrity of the nation’s maritime sector.

While commending the NSC, Adeniyi said, “The initiative to focus on contemporary issues and developments in International Maritime Law and Admiralty Practice, especially as it impacts Nigeria and the West African Sub-region is indeed a laudable one. I consider the theme apt and very timeous in view of the present day reality of our county in day reality of our country. Furthermore, it resonates and aligns with our (the Nigeria Customs Service’s) mandate as we work diligently towards the continuous reform and repositioning of the Service.

“Judicial enlightenment and continuous education are pivotal in ensuring the seamless administration of justice, particularly in the complex and ever-evolving field of shipping and maritime law. This seminar presents a unique opportunity for judges to gain deeper insights, share knowledge, and discuss contemporary issues affecting the industry, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making and enhance the overall integrity of our maritime and judicial sector.

“At the Nigeria Custom Service, our overall responsibility is the facilitation of trade, collection and accountability of revenue and the suppression of smuggling for the overall well-being of our nation Nigeria. This is more expedient under the new Nigeria Custom Service Act, 2023 which saddles the Service with obligations pivotal to the growth and development of the economy of our great country.

“To accomplish our obligations under the above provisions of the law requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, which include the Nigeria Shippers Council, and I therefore solicit for your continuous co-operation in the implementation and enforcement of Customs and Excise laws in Nigeria.”

Continuing, he said: “We applaud the Nigeria Shippers Council for their dedication to bridging the gap between the judiciary and the shipping community. Your efforts are a testament to your unwavering commitment to enhancing the maritime sector and fostering an environment of excellence and integrity within the industry. You have been instrumental in driving progress and promoting best practices within the industry.

“The role of lawyers in nation building cannot be over-emphasized as the purveyors of justice, harbinger of hope for the common-man and promoter of law and order in the society. I believe that the deliberations at this Seminar will benefit not only our legal luminaries or the maritime sector but our nation as a whole.”