Tinubu Urged to Sign Port Regulatory Agency Bill

At the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Justices in Abuja, Chief Michael Igbokwe, President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, called on President Tinubu to sign the Port Regulatory Agency Bill into law. This bill, which has been presented to the president twice, aims to create an independent economic regulator for Nigeria's ports, enhancing the regulatory role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, improving port operations, and boosting investor confidence in the maritime sector.

Igbokwe emphasized the importance of this legislation for the benefits of ongoing port reforms. Additionally, he urged the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to establish an admiralty registry to expedite maritime dispute resolutions.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, noted that the Tinubu administration has laid the groundwork for a thriving marine economy, including the development of Nigeria's first National Policy on the Marine Economy. He also mentioned the success of the Deep Blue Project in eliminating piracy in Nigeria's waters for four consecutive years.