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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has described a maritime law book as a timely intervention that will strengthen the judiciary and promote economic development, particularly in international trade.
The book, she said, showcases the author’s deep understanding of maritime law and serves as a valuable resource for judicial officers, legal practitioners, and stakeholders involved in international trade and carriage of goods by sea.
Kekere-Ekun made this remark at the Maritime law book launch titled “International Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea: Text, Cases and Materials,” authored by a Maritime law expert, Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro.
Apart from the CJN, the book launch drew several dignitaries, including Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno; President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi, among others. Kekere-Ekun said: “The book will strengthen the quality of judicial decisions and enhance legal education in this essential sector.
“It simplifies complex concepts through case studies, diagrams, and statutory references, guiding our courts to adopt a more uniform approach and boosting the confidence of our legal practitioners to arbitrate and negotiate globally.”
She added that the text commands respect for legal precedents while drawing from judgments in other jurisdictions, positioning it as an essential tool for global negotiation and arbitration.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the importance of maritime law in global trade, noting that over 90 per cent of international trade is conducted via sea routes.
The governor, who was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, stated that maritime law has transitioned from a niche legal specialisation into a vital component of national competitiveness.
According to him, Lagos State is responsible for more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s import and export traffic as it is actively transforming into a global maritime hub, citing ongoing projects like the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the redevelopment of Tin Can Island Port.
He described Usoro’s 576-page, nine-chapter book as a timely addition to legal literature, stressing that while ports and trade corridors are physical infrastructure, their legitimacy and effectiveness depend on the legal frameworks that support them.
“Through her exceptional service as the first Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), a reformer, negotiator and teacher, Usoro has laid a foundation for maritime safety, trade efficiency, and legal consistency,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Dangote applauded the book’s relevance, particularly in its treatment of documentary credits and letters of credit, which are key instruments in international finance.
“This book will become an indispensable companion for practitioners in maritime industries,” he stated. The author, Usoro, expressed gratitude to attendees, stating that the book represents her legacy and hopes it becomes a transformative tool in maritime education and legal practice.
The book reviewer, Dolapo Akinrele (SAN), commended the book’s depth and accessibility, describing it as a vital reference for bridging theory and practice in international trade. He stressed that the legal reliability and predictability highlighted in the book are crucial for Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s maritime renaissance.
The Managing Director and CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Ltd., Greg Ogbeifun in his goodwill message on behalf of the Shipping and Trade sector, lauded Usoro’s legacy and immense contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Recalling her tenure as the pioneer Director General of NIMASA in 2006, Ogbeifun credited her with laying the institutional foundation for what is now Nigeria’s foremost maritime regulatory body.
“Usoro’s leadership as Secretary General of the Abuja Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central Africa was also lauded.
“Under her stewardship, the 22-member organisation achieved a high level of coordination and compliance with international maritime standards,” he said.
“This publication is a legacy that will inspire future generations and preserve the integrity of the maritime industry,” he said.
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