The Federal Government has pledged to ensure that resolutions reached at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges are translated into concrete policies, legislative reforms and institutional actions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector and enhancing investor confidence.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the assurance on Wednesday while declaring open the three-day seminar in Abuja.

The event was organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA).

Akume described maritime justice as a critical national governance issue with far-reaching implications for trade, investment, economic growth and the cost of living.

According to him, delays in resolving maritime disputes have direct economic consequences, warning that prolonged litigation, poorly executed ship arrests and unresolved cargo disputes undermine investor confidence, disrupt trade and ultimately increase the prices of imported goods borne by ordinary Nigerians.

He stressed that achieving an efficient maritime sector requires seamless collaboration among key institutions, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Federal High Court.

The SGF assured stakeholders that his office would provide the coordination needed to ensure effective implementation of the seminar’s recommendations.

“Where resolutions require legislative amendments, we will engage the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Justice. Where they involve the ratification of international conventions, we will ensure they receive the necessary executive attention,” he said.

Akume also commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for championing judicial capacity development, describing a knowledgeable, independent judiciary as indispensable to national development and economic prosperity.

The seminar, which runs for three days, is expected to examine emerging issues in admiralty law, port operations, maritime dispute resolution and international best practices, with judges and maritime experts from across Africa participating in the discussions.