The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has inaugurated a 16-member committee to halt the decline of admiralty law practice in Nigeria, which is attributed to sub-optimal procedural rules and poor judicial interpretation of substantive laws.
According to a statement obtained by our correspondent, the Committee is expected to propose initiatives and implementation strategies for repositioning admiralty law practice, boost industry confidence, and dispute resolution efficiency for Admiralty law and practice.
Members of the committee known as ‘Nigeria Admiralty Law and Procedure Reform Committee’ include: Mrs. Omolola Ikwuagwu, Mr. Nelson Otaji, Ms. Chisa Uba, Mr. Babatunde Ogungbamila, Sir Adolphus Nwachukwu, Mr. Adedoyin Afun, Dr. Echefu Ukattah, Mr. Nonso Azih, Mr. Olukayode Dada and Ms. Kashimana Tsumba
The committee would be chaired by Barr. Emmanuel Nwagbara and Barr. Jean-Chiazor Anishere.
The team also has four Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) as Advisory Members; they are, Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), Mr. Dolapo Akinrele (SAN), Dr. Wale Olawoyin (SAN) and Mr. Olumide Sofowora (SAN)
According to the report, the Committee is tasked with achieving speed in filing, assignment, hearing and determination of admiralty matters, implementation of a modern fit-for purpose Admiralty Registry, review of procedural rules, in particular – Admiralty Jurisdiction Procedure Rules and Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules.
Other areas include; reform of substantive law, in particular – 1999 Constitution, Admiralty Jurisdiction Act and Federal High Court Act
The Committee is expected to commence work immediately and submit its report by the 25th of May 2020.
The statement, was signed by the Association’s President, Mr. Chidi Ilogu (SAN) and the NMLA Honorary Secretary, Mr. Emeka Akabogu.
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