The Nigerian maritime law Association has affirmed its readiness to assist relevant governments agencies ministries and departments in achieving a strong and efficient legal frame work for Nigeria’s maritime development.

The President of the Association, Mr, Louis Mbanefo (SAN) made this known at the  Association Annual general meeting and lecture held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, the association is fully prepared to deploy its depth of resources in improving the quality of International agreements and bargain the country entew into in maritime trade, in addition to facilitating  an improved regime for resolution and adjudication of maritime disputes in the country.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, who aptly represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Assam Assam (SAN) assured that its poised to ensure Nigeria becomes a natural  hub for shipping and oil and gas logistics in the West and Central African region through its Ibaka sea port project.

He appreciated the diverse and highly trained poll of skill inherent in the members of the association, adding that the Akwa Ibom State government is committed to utilising the best skills available in the country to achieve its grand objectives.

Earlier, the Guest Speaker, Hon Justice Edward Torgbor, a retired Judge of the High Court of Kenya, reviewed the regime of recognition and enforcement of Arbitral awards in Nigeria and proffered that the tie has come for the enabling laws to be reviewed, in view f the continuing litigation of cases in court even after arbitral awards have been entered.

The 2011 Annual General Meeting and Lecture of the Nigerian maritime law Association was hosted for the first time outside Lagos, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. It said the convergence of members from all parts of the country, and feature a city tour, dedicated golf session and two high profile dinners hosted by The Akwa Ibom State Government and former Director-General of Nimasa, Mrs. Mfon Usore.

Meanwhile, the Akwa Ibom State government is currently shopping for about 5-138 hectares of land for the deep seaport in the state. The State Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio after receiving a request from the managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority Engr. Umar Suleima swing into action by mandating a committee to facilitiate the procurement of the land space for the Deep Seaport project.

The deep seaport is to be located at Ibaka in Mbo local government area of the state. The propose is to e called Ibom Industrial Park, Comprising of a Deep seaport, a Refinery, a liquefied National gas plant and fertilizer plant.