The Chairman, Seaport
Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Dr Vicky Haastrup, has commended the use of arbitration, mediation and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in settling commercial disputes in maritime industry.
This is contained in a statement by the Spokesman of STOAN, Mr Bolaji Akinola on Thursday in Lagos.
According to the statement, Haastrup made the remark when she received the Executive Council members of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) on a courtesy call in her office.
She said that resolving maritime industry disputes through ADR would be much faster and less acrimonious than litigation.
“I am happy to note that we have competent persons who can handle arbitration in Nigeria.
“I will encourage the use of arbitration as much as possible because it has significant advantages over litigation in court, such as parties’ control of the process, typically lower cost and shorter time to resolution, flexibility and privacy,’ Haastrup said.
The MAAN President, Dr Omogbai Omo-Eboh, led the delegation on the courtesy visit.
According to Omo-Eboh, the association was motivated by the strong desire to provide effective and cost efficient alternatives for dispute resolution of maritime disputes in Nigeria, through arbitration proceedings and other ADR methods.
He said that the association was organised to gather together members ready, willing and able to serve as arbitrators of disputes arising in businesses involving all aspects of maritime, energy and related activities.
“MAAN was conceived by practitioners that have attained distinction and expertise in arbitration and maritime law in Nigeria.
“Following its conception and incorporation in 2005, its executive council has acted as a steering body for the establishment of the associations’ ethos and structures.
“The council is committed to ensuring that MAAN maintains internationally accepted standards and best practices with local expertise.
“MAAN is borne out of the essential need to offer Nigeria as an alternative resource and venue following recent developments in the industry and the growing cost of arbitration in foreign countries and the pressure on the litigation system to deliver timely solutions.
He said “It is a membership organisation open to industry practitioners; service providers; consumers of arbitration services and all stakeholders at large”.
Omo-Eboh also said that, “The group aims to become a worldwide recognised leader in commercial maritime dispute resolution.’’
“By supporting and facilitating domestic and international arbitration and promoting Nigeria as a venue for the settlement of maritime disputes through arbitration and ADR.
The statement said that other members of the MAAN Executive Council who visited the STOAN Chairman include: Sir Osuola Nwagbara, Mrs Tosan Edodo-Emoren and Mrs Ozien Okereke.
The STOAN team which received them include the Chairman, Dr Vicky Haastrup; the Secretary, Mr Uzamot Boye; and the Executive Director of ENL Consortium, Mr. Mark Walsh.