Stakeholders have projected that the maritime law book authored by Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro will drive judicial and economic reforms in Nigeria.
At the presentation of the book titled International Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea: Text, Cases, and Materials in Lagos on Tuesday, the piece was described as a timely intervention to strengthen the country’s judicial processes and economic development, particularly in the area of international trade.
The book, which integrates both local and international legal standards, aims to serve as a reference point for legal professionals, regulators, financial institutions and participants in the trade and shipping industries.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mrs Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who wrote the forward, said the publication would serve as a foundational text that would enhance the judiciary’s capacity to resolve disputes related to trade and shipping efficiently.
She said the book presents a practical approach to interpreting legal issues around carriage contracts, cargo liabilities and dispute resolution under both local and international frameworks.
“By simplifying complex concepts through case studies, diagrams and statutory references, the book will strengthen the quality of judicial decisions and enhance legal education in this essential sector.
“This text is exactly what our legal system needs. It commands respect for local precedents while drawing on legal judgments from other jurisdictions, guiding our courts to a uniform approach and giving our practitioners the confidence to negotiate, mitigate and arbitrate across borders,” she said.
On his part, the president of the Dangote Group, Mr Aliko Dangote, described the book as essential for businesses operating in global trade.
“This is the kind of resource that improves certainty in commercial transactions and boosts confidence among business operators,” he stated, praising the author’s contribution to trade and legal practice in Nigeria.
The book reviewer, Mr Adedolapo Akinrele (SAN), described the text as a unique, structured resource, citing over 200 cases, extensive chapters and global conventions to illustrate key concepts in maritime and international trade law.
He emphasised its practicality and relevance to both seasoned professionals and new entrants in the legal and commercial sectors.