The Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) is pushing for arbitration to become the standard method for resolving shipping-related disputes in Nigeria, warning that the country is losing revenue by sending cases overseas.
The call was made during the latest edition of Maritime Platform, the maritime weekly radio programme powered by the Nigerian Ports Authority that covers maritime developments, policy and industry trends.
Two former MAAN Presidents, Mr. Bodunrin Adewole and Mr. Adewale Jones, were guests on the show. They described maritime arbitration as a strategic tool for improving dispute resolution efficiency in Nigeria’s shipping and logistics sector, noting that it delivers faster outcomes than conventional litigation for matters such as shipping contracts, cargo claims, charter agreements and port transactions.
According to a statement issued by the CEO of Maritime Platform, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, it states that the experts said many disputes involving Nigerian firms are still referred to foreign arbitration centres, which leads to avoidable financial losses and weakens domestic legal and maritime institutions. They added that the outflow also drains legal fees, consultancy payments and other related revenue that could be retained in Nigeria’s economy.
Both stressed that Nigeria already has the legal professionals, maritime practitioners and institutional framework needed to handle complex arbitration cases locally. A stronger domestic arbitration system, they argued, would not only keep revenue at home but also boost investor confidence by providing quicker and more predictable dispute outcomes.
With global trade becoming more complex and maritime transactions expanding, the experts said an efficient local arbitration framework could strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a leading maritime hub in West Africa. They urged government agencies, maritime institutions and private sector players to support policies that promote domestic arbitration practices.
Maritime Platform has continue to provide stakeholders with updates, expert analysis and industry insights every Tuesday.