NMLA warns Nigeria to modernise multimodal laws
Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations face significant obstacles without updated multimodal transport legislation and stronger regulatory enforcement, according to maritime professionals and legal experts at the Nigerian Maritime Law Association annual conference in Lagos. NMLA President Funke Agbor emphasized that national maritime regulations must become modernized, integrated and practically enforceable to support industry growth.
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment representative Oyindamola Ade-Alli warned that transportation infrastructure across maritime, aviation, rail and road sectors is advancing more rapidly than supporting legal structures. She called for comprehensive frameworks incorporating single contracts, electronic documentation and transparent dispute mechanisms similar to Rotterdam Rules standards.
Panel discussions revealed fragmented regulatory oversight and unclear liability allocation under current statutes. NIMASA Deputy Director Aderonke Adekanye confirmed efforts to improve coordination among agencies, while Federal High Court Justice Ayokunle Faji noted judicial jurisdiction gaps stemming from incomplete legislation. Police AIG Chinedu Oko highlighted enforcement difficulties, including cargo theft and evidence handling deficiencies, stressing the need for specialized personnel training.
