Harmonise functions of maritime agencies, forum tells government

Participants at the just concluded maritime Seminar for Judges have advised the Federal Government to harmonise existing domestic maritime laws as part of measures to avoid duplication of functions among agencies.

According to the participants, there is also need for the government to put adequate measures in place to sanitise the freight forwarding and the customs brokerage business in Nigerian Ports.

A communiqué issued at the end of the event organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with National Judicial Institute (NJI), urged the Nigerian Government to factor independent power providers into renewals of the concession/lease at the Nigerian ports to solve the power problems.

The participants called for the establishment of an electric registry (E-Registry) where security granted with respect to electronic documents can be registered and recorded.

The communiqué emphasized need for Nigerian Shippers Council to take step to initiate legislation “to cover liability of terminal operators for loss, damage or delay to cargo using the frame work under the United Nations Convention on Liability of Terminal Operators 1991”.

Parts of the communiqué read: “There is need for a holistic review of the admiralty jurisdiction procedure rules 2011. There is need to establish an Admiralty Division in the Federal High Court.

“That it is pertinent to review our Evidence Act on electronic evidence and further consider the enactment of an Information Technology Act similar to the Indian Information Technology Act 2010.

“That the establishment of an Electronic registry (E-Registry) where security granted with respect to electronic documents can be registered and recorded is highly recommended.

“That it is imperative to review the Cyber Crime Prohibition Act 2015 to address existing lacunae particularly the inadequate punitive measures.

“That in view of the very obvious threat to maritime security there is an urgent need for a National Policy on cyber security.

“That there should be communication channel where information can be provided by experts to update Nigeria on concerns that are looming on the horizon with regards to maritime cyber crime.

“That there is a strong need for Stakeholders in the Maritime industry to educate staff/employees on cyber security.

“That in order to eliminate the risk of cyber-attack on the maritime industry, there is need to synergise with partners knowledgeable in the risk landscape and set up security of the supply chain through continuous digital monitoring.

“That the Federal Government of Nigeria should as a matter of urgency consider the enactment of the Ports and Harbour Authority Act.