The pioneer Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mfon Usoro, has unveiled a seminal book, “International Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea: Texts, Cases, and Materials,” designed to serve as a critical resource for maritime law practitioners, academics, and industry stakeholders.
The book launch, held on Tuesday in Lagos, was graced by eminent personalities, including the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (represented by Commissioner Folashade Ambrose); Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno; and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote.
A Foundational Legal Resource
In her keynote address, CJN Kekere-Ekun, who wrote the book’s foreword, described the publication as a “timely and foundational text” that bridges legal scholarship and practical maritime commerce.
“Nigeria’s strategic position as a maritime hub in West Africa makes this book an essential guide. It seamlessly integrates domestic laws, international conventions, and best practices into a comprehensive reference for courts, law schools, and industry professionals,” she stated.
Spanning over 600 pages, the book meticulously examines the legal framework of maritime trade—from contractual agreements and financing to dispute resolution and jurisdictional matters. The CJN particularly praised its real-world case studies, diagrams, and accessible language, making it valuable for judges, lawyers, bankers, and business operators.
Policymakers and Industry Leaders Hail Publication
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, emphasized the book’s significance for Lagos, which handles over 70% of Nigeria’s imports and exports and sustains more than a million logistics-related jobs.
“This is not just a book launch but a celebration of legacy. Mrs. Usoro has shaped policies, influenced maritime governance, and now provided a resource that will enhance trade efficiency,” he said.
Aliko Dangote, in a goodwill message, described the book as “a game-changer for businesses in global trade,” adding that it would *“boost confidence in commercial transactions and reduce legal uncertainties.”
Meanwhile, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adedolapo Akinrele, who reviewed the book, highlighted its structured analysis of over 200 legal cases and international conventions, offering clarity on the roles of shippers, insurers, and other key players in global supply chains.
Author’s Gratitude
In her response, Usoro thanked attendees, including her husband, Paul Usoro (Chairman of Access Bank); former Nigerian Ports Authority MD Adebayo Sarumi; and FCMB Group CEO Ladi Balogun. She expressed hope that the book would “advance Nigeria’s maritime sector and contribute to global trade discourse.”
The event further solidified Usoro’s reputation as a leading authority in maritime law, with the book expected to become a standard reference for legal and commercial maritime operations worldwide.
