SGF Akume Billed To Declare NSC 17th IMS for Judges Open

 BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume is scheduled to declare open the 17^thedition of the International Maritime Seminar (IMS) for Judges slated for 9^th-11^thJuly, 2024.

While the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, is billed to be the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON will play the Chief Host, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E Adegboyega Oyetola, CON as host.

The seminar organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) will hold at Abuja.

A statement signed by Rebecca Adamu, Assistant Director, Public Relations Unit, NSC said the seminar will focus on contemporary issues and developments in International Maritime Law and Admiralty Practice, as it impacts Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.

The statement reads:”The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) is set to host the 17^thedition of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges under the distinguished chairmanship of H.E Senator George Akume, KSJI, fnim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The forthcoming event, which is a must attend for stakeholders, will take place at the Abuja Continental Hotel (former Abuja Sheraton Hotel), Ladi Kwali Centre from Tuesday 9^th– Thursday 11^thJuly, 2024, from 9:00am – 5:00pm daily.

“The objective of the seminar is to update the knowledge of participants Justices, Judges, In-house counsel, Legal practitioners, Captains of Industry etc. With the knowledge on contemporary issues and developments in International Maritime Law and Admiralty Practice, as it impacts Nigeria and the West African Sub-region.”

Continuing the statement says “An array of eminent jurists, erudite scholars and seasoned Maritime/Legal practitioners from the judiciary and foreign experts will deliver papers aimed at addressing several burning and complex issues bedevilling the maritime industry such as:

1. Legal Issues in Nigerian Seaports Trade Facilitation.
2. Shipping in the Age of Innovation and Climate Change: The Role of Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Vessels and Decarbonisation.
3. ADR as an Effective Tool in the Resolution of Maritime Disputes: Current Development and Matters Arising.
4. Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules 2023 and Matters Arising – An Appellate Perspective to Admiralty Jurisdiction in Nigeria
5. Maritime Law in 2024

“The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, is the Special Guest of Honour. The Honourable, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, GCON, is the Chief Host, while the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E Adegboyega Oyetola, CON will be the Host at the occasion.”

Distinguished dignitaries expected at the occasion include the Chief Justices of The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, along with some Justices/Judges of their respective judiciaries.

Others expected to participate at the seminar according to the statement include Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and Judges of the Federal and State High Courts, Legal Advisers, in-house Counsel, and Legal and Maritime Practitioners as well as industry stakeholders.