A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Cap C23 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 to Expand the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to Include Admiralty Jurisdiction, Including Shipping and Navigation on the River Niger, River Benue and their Effluents, and on such other Inland Waterways as may be Designated by an Act of the National Assembly as International Waterways, all Federal Ports, and Carriage by Sea; and for Related Matters

Abstract

This Bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to expand the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to include admiralty matters, including shipping and navigation on the River Niger, River Benue, and their effluents, as well as such other inland waterways as may be designated by an Act of the National Assembly to be international waterways. The Bill further extends the Court's jurisdiction to cover all matters pertaining to Federal ports, including the constitution, powers, and operations of port authorities and to matters relating to the carriage of goods and passengers by sea. The proposed alteration is intended to enhance the efficiency of the administration of maritime justice in Nigeria, promote uniformity in the interpretation and enforcement of admiralty laws, and provide a solid judicial foundation for national and international maritime commerce.