By Godwin Oritse

A renewed push to position arbitration at the heart of maritime dispute resolution took centre stage in Lagos on Friday, as the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) celebrated its 20th anniversary.

The gathering at the Lagos Motor Boat Club, Ikoyi, brought together a cross-section of stakeholders from Nigeria’s maritime, legal and regulatory space. Key institutions, including the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, joined jurists, maritime lawyers and industry leaders in underscoring a shared position: that a credible and efficient dispute resolution framework is essential to Nigeria’s drive to emerge as a regional maritime hub.

Delivering the keynote address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the urgent need to shift from litigation to arbitration, citing cost, time inefficiencies and operational disruptions associated with court processes.

The NIMASA boss, who was represented by Mrs. Aisha Idris Yakubu, disclosed that NIMASA is advancing plans to establish a dedicated Nigerian Maritime Arbitration Centre, aimed at providing specialised, sector-focused dispute resolution.
Drawing parallels with global best practices, he referenced the Singapore Maritime Arbitration Centre as a model, noting that Nigeria must develop similar institutional capacity to remain competitive.

He equally disclosed that a delegation from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA had undertaken a study visit to Singapore to understudy its arbitration framework.

“NIMASA’s strategy is anchored on reducing dependence on litigation, promoting arbitration as the primary dispute resolution mechanism, and building institutional frameworks that can position Nigeria as a credible regional hub,” the NIMASA boss said, even as he added that collaboration among regulators, practitioners and professional bodies like MAAN is essential to achieving this goal.

Representing the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Mr. Leonard Onoja underscored the strategic importance of arbitration in sustaining investor confidence and ensuring operational predictability in the ports. He noted that with the scale and complexity of modern port operations, disputes are inevitable, making credible arbitration frameworks indispensable.

Onoja reiterated the Authority’s dual role as landlord and technical regulator of Nigeria’s ports, highlighting ongoing reforms including port modernisation, the Single Window System, export processing terminals and investments in deep seaports.
These initiatives, he said, are designed to enhance efficiency, drive trade facilitation and position Nigeria competitively within West and Central Africa. He added that NPA has also invested in capacity building, particularly in arbitration and mediation training for its legal personnel, as part of its commitment to strengthening dispute resolution mechanisms.

After a colourful and insightful documentary on MAAN @20, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, CFR (Rtd) remarked that over the years MAAN had distinguished itself through resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to empowering professional men, women and students.

His words: “From mentorship and capacity building to policy advocacy and industry engagement, MAAN has consistently demonstrated that when maritime arbitrators are given the opportunity to lead and contribute, the entire sector benefits.

“As we mark this 20th anniversary, we must also look ahead. The maritime industry is evolving rapidly, with new challenges and opportunities emerging in areas such as the blue economy, digital transformation, and sustainability. MAAN is well-positioned to not only adapt but to lead in shaping this future.”

In her closing remarks, MAAN President, Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, described the 20th anniversary as both a milestone and a mandate for greater impact.
She reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to deepening capacity, strengthening institutional credibility and advancing arbitration as a trusted mechanism for resolving maritime disputes.

The historic event also marked the launch of MAAN’s 1st Soirée, initiated by the elated President of MAAN, Chief Jean Anishere, which she described as an evening for members of MAAN to discuss topical issues, network and relax by the beautiful waterfront ambience.

An array of distinguished legal luminaries graced the event. Past MAAN Presidents, Advisory Board Members, Board of Trustees, Executive Council Members and practitioners were also present to celebrate the Association’s two-decade legacy and launch MAAN’s 1st Soirée.