Lawyers need practical knowledge of maritime trade to resolve disputes effectively — Igbokwe

By Godwin Oritse

ABUJA — President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mr. Mike Igbokwe (SAN), has urged legal practitioners to deepen their understanding of maritime trade and commercial operations to effectively handle disputes arising in the sector.

Speaking at the ongoing International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja, Igbokwe said the rapidly evolving global maritime industry requires lawyers to keep pace with emerging regulations, changing business practices, technological advancements, environmental obligations and increasingly complex risk profiles.

According to him, developments in the maritime sector now affect every aspect of the industry, including shipping, ports, terminals, cargo, finance, insurance, regulation and dispute resolution, creating both new responsibilities and opportunities for stakeholders.

“Across the world, maritime trade is being reshaped by new regulations, shifting commercial practices, disruptive technologies, environmental obligations and increasingly complex risk profiles,” he said.