The Admiralty Lawyers Society of Nigeria (ALSN) has called for stronger implementation of the country’s existing maritime policies.

The group stated that effective execution of the frameworks was critical to unlocking the country’s blue economy and improving maritime safety and security.

The society made this call to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day with the theme: ‘From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.’

President of ALSN, Angus Obinna Chukwuka, said Nigeria had brilliant laws and well-drafted policies capable of transforming the economy, but stressed that their impact would largely depend on implementation.

He added that Nigeria must move beyond policy formulation to the practical implementation of measures to strengthen the maritime sector.

Chukwuka said environmental and decarbonisation policies required particular attention, urging measures to reduce carbon emissions, dependence on fossil fuels, and the dumping of plastic waste and sewage into the marine environment.

He cited coastal areas, including the Nembe and Opobo rivers, as examples of waterways affected by floating plastics, debris and wrecks, warning that such pollution could affect aquatic life and pose safety risks to vessels.

He also called for incentives for shipowners, operators, terminal operators, maritime agencies and other industry players that adopt low-carbon practices, while urging stronger implementation of Nigeria’s Green Shipping Policy.

On safety and security, the society called for the full domestication and continued implementation of international maritime frameworks, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and Port State Control measures.

According to Chukwuka, sustained inspections of ports, facilities and port users were necessary, while the judiciary requires adequate training on maritime crimes and appropriate sanctions for offenders.

He commended the Deep Blue Project, saying its success in reducing piracy in the Gulf of Guinea was largely due to the synergy among the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS) and other stakeholders.

He, however, called for greater collaboration to sustain the gains and prevent kidnapping, banditry and other crimes from infiltrating the maritime space.

The society also identified Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and search-and-rescue systems as important maritime safety and security measures, stressing that their proper implementation would enhance maritime business.

On the Blue Economy, Chukwuka urged the government to intensify efforts in areas such as agriculture, aquaculture, and offshore renewable energy, while encouraging greater private-sector participation.

He further identified Blue Pharmacy as an important aspect of the sector, stressing that sustainable investment in the area could contribute to healthcare, employment and national economic growth.

On governance and digitalisation, ALSN said effective implementation of Nigeria’s Maritime Data and Innovation Policy would strengthen collaboration among maritime agencies and relevant stakeholders.

Chukwuka explained that automation had become increasingly important to global trade and commerce and urged maritime agencies, security forces and other stakeholders to improve data sharing and avoid operating in silos.

He also called for greater investment in automation research, saying universities and other research institutions should be adequately equipped and funded to undertake research whose findings could be deployed to support the blue economy.