The Federal Government, in a bid to use judicial interpretation to development the nation’s economy, has called on admiralty judges to avail themselves necessary trainings needed to professionally dispense disputes arising from admiralty cases.
Speaking at the commencement of a three day international seminar for maritime judges taking place in Abuja, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen said that the infusion of information technology in the handling of maritime or trade related cases will also assist judges in the quick dispensation of disputes.
He explained that the growth rate of the maritime industry needed to be at a per with new innovations in Information Communication Technology, ICT, sector.
The Judicial officer said “The infusion of technology in the maritime industry is another aspect that makes the sector always dynamic
“As information technology permeates every aspect of life, the maritime industry is fast becoming part of the digital economy and information society.
“Given the importance of the industry, to national and international trade, countries and organizations begin to innovate ways to enhance the productivity of the industry by applying ICT as a tool for competitive advantage and business sustainability.
“There is no gain saying that the judiciary has played its constitutional role in the growth of maritime industry.
“Similarly, the economic development of our country through judicial interpretation and resolution of disputes arising from the sector is indispensable.
“However, judges must continue to receive special training in order to enhance their performance which will in turn enable them handle such technical matters for efficient operations of the maritime industry.’
The nation’s number judicial officer also said that the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism such as Conciliation and Mediation, which he said have proven to have endangered the expeditious resolution of maritime cases.
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