NMLA Sets May 2027 Deadline for Maritime Bills Clearance

The Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) has issued a deadline of May 2027 for the National Assembly to clear all pending maritime bills, warning that delays could hinder the implementation of Nigeria’s maritime policies and international commitments. In a statement by its President, Mr. Mike Igbokwe, SAN, the NMLA urged the Federal Government to expedite the domestication of outstanding international maritime treaties and ensure enforcement agencies are adequately resourced.

This call coincides with the observance of the 2026 World Maritime Day under the International Maritime Organisation's theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” The NMLA stressed the importance of translating maritime conventions into actionable laws, highlighting that Nigeria's membership in the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium presents an opportunity for the country to influence global maritime policy. The association cited existing maritime frameworks and ongoing initiatives by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy to enhance maritime security and efficiency.