Updates from the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) 2025
Young Members’ Educational Tour to Lekki Deep Sea Port
As part of its ongoing commitment to capacity building within the Nigerian maritime sector, the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), the Nigerian Branch of the Comité Maritime International (CMI) organized an insightful educational tour for its Young Members to the Lekki Deep Sea Port on Thursday, 6th March 2025.
The visit offered participants a valuable first-hand view of port operations, logistics processes, and the intricacies of the maritime ecosystem. Following the tour, delegates gathered for a convivial reception and career-focused discussions featuring experienced industry professionals, including:
- Laura Omolola Allison-Ikwuagwu FCIArb (George Ikoli & Okagbue)
- Victor Onyegbado (Akabogu & Associates)
- Mojisola Jaiye-Gbenle (Foundation Chambers)
The NMLA extends its sincere appreciation to the event sponsors: Nigerian Shippers Council, Adesokan & Co., Nelson Otaji, Chuks Nwana, and Tsumba & Tsumba LP. Their support continues to play a pivotal role in nurturing future maritime leaders in Nigeria.
3rd Maritime Industry Breakfast Meeting
On Wednesday, 9th April 2025, the NMLA hosted its 3rd Maritime Industry Breakfast Meeting in Lagos. Held under the theme “Prospects for Accelerated Growth and Other Matters Arising”, the gathering convened maritime stakeholders for constructive dialogue on policy direction, infrastructure development, and innovation opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
Key highlights included an address from the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, delivered by Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services. The Minister’s remarks emphasized:
- Integrated transport connectivity through multimodal solutions.
- Implementation of a digital Port Community System.
- Commitment to sustainability, including the deployment of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).
- Progress on the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) and port infrastructure modernization.
The event featured a panel session with Mr. Daniel Odibe, Deputy COO of Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise Limited, and Mr. Ibrahim Famuyiwa, Head of Operations, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), who represented the General Manager.
In her remarks, NMLA President Funke Agbor, SAN, reaffirmed the Association’s pledge to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime legal and policy framework and called for deeper collaboration to unlock the sector’s full potential.
The meeting attracted distinguished participants, including representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), senior maritime lawyers, and legal practitioners.
Nigeria Re-Elected into CMI Executive Council
The Nigerian Maritime Law Association is proud to announce the re-election of its President, Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN, into the Executive Council of the CMI (Comité Maritime International) for another three-year term. The election was held during the 2025 CMI General Assembly in Tokyo, Japan, on 18th May 2025.
Mrs. Agbor, who was first elected to the Council in 2022, continues to champion Nigeria’s interests and maritime law development on the international stage. Notably, during the 2025 Assembly, she led the Nigerian delegation in key deliberations, including the adoption of the Lex Maritima — a global framework setting out foundational principles of maritime law.
The NMLA remains dedicated to promoting excellence, policy advancement, and professional development within Nigeria’s maritime legal sector while actively contributing to the work of the global maritime law community through the CMI.
