The Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN and Chairman, Board of Governors of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has said

a secure maritime domain is vital to economic development and advancement.

Ariwola said the judiciary had a role to play in all legal forms of the fight against piracy.

According to a statement, the CJN spoke in Lagos at the third edition of the Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium for Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal and Judges of the Federal High Court.

Ariwoola who was represented at the event by Justice Musa Muhammad, expressed satisfaction with the

2023 edition of the Nigerian Admiralty Law Colloquium.

He added that the programme was tailored towards effective and efficient adjudication of cases as well as curbing the menace of piracy within the Gulf of Guinea.The CJN said he observed that the Gulf of Guinea was richly endowed adding that it was necessary for key players in the maritime sector to continually engage in

constructive discussions to achieve the benefits associated with the maritime industry.

He said, “The Gulf of Guinea encompasses eight African countries; Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo. These countries are home to about 4.5 per cent of the world’s proven oil reserves and about 2.7 per cent of proved natural gas reserves.

“Two-thirds of these reserves are concentrated within the exclusive economic zone of Nigeria. The centre of gravity of the region, whose oil sector accounts for 75 per cent of the state’s revenue and about 90 per cent of total export.

“The Gulf of Guinea is richly endowed with vast reserves of hydrocarbon, mineral and fisheries resources, making it a strategic area”.

He said the workshop was apt, as it would create an avenue for capacity building and increased maritime domain awareness.

The participants at the event, he said, would be able to drive

conversations on how to maximise the benefits of the maritime sector and also generate ideas and strategies necessary for its sustenance and safety.

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