In preparation for the biennial International Maritime Seminar for Judges scheduled for 2026, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D has renewed his agency’s commitment. Ukeyima stressed the Council’s determination to bolster maritime judicial capacity and lauded the National Judicial Institute (NJI) for its vital, ongoing assistance to the Council.
Dr. Akutah who led a high-level delegation to the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja for a courtesy visit with the Administrator, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo, OFR. Ukeyima stated that the primary aim of the visit was to reinforce the vital, long-standing partnership between the two institutions. The core objective: ensuring that Nigeria’s judiciary remains expertly positioned to effectively handle the growing complexities emerging within the dynamic maritime and Blue Economy sectors.
Dr. Akutah highlighted the profound significance of the over three-decade-long partnership between the NSC and NJI. He stressed that as Nigeria actively aspires to expand its marine and Blue Economy, the essential role of a well-informed and forward-looking judiciary is paramount and “cannot be overlooked.”
The NSC Boss also referenced the upcoming 2026 Maritime Seminar for judges. This key biennial event is designed to serve as a vital platform for judges, arbitrators, and regulators to exchange ideas and collectively advance Nigerian maritime jurisprudence to meet global standards.
Responding, the NJI Administrator, Hon. Justice Babatunde Adejumo, OFR, welcomed the NSC team, praising the cordial and productive collaboration that has existed for over three decades with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, led by its Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON.
The Administrator further advocated that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) extend its training programs to court registrars, emphasizing their essential role in the efficiency of judicial processes. He also reaffirmed the National Judicial Institute’s (NJI) commitment to supporting both current and future NSC initiatives.
The discussions culminated in a shared resolve to bolster judicial education, optimize maritime dispute resolution, and support national economic expansion by reinforcing regulatory and adjudicatory structures.
