L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno; Director, Africapital Management Limited, Akin kekere-Ekun; Chairman, Access Bank Plc, Paul Usoro, SAN; Author, Mrs Mfon Usoro; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon Justice Kudirat kekere-Ekun, SAN; ex-President, Court of Appeal, Umaru Abdullahi, and President/CE, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, at a Book Launch by Mrs Usoro, entitled: "International Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea: Texts, Cases and Materials."
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, alongside business magnate Aliko Dangote and other key figures, has endorsed a new book on maritime law authored by Mfon Ekong Usoro. Titled International Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea: Text, Cases, and Materials, the book is hailed as a crucial tool for bolstering Nigeria’s judicial processes and economic growth, particularly in international trade.
Speaking at the book launch in Lagos, Justice Kekere-Ekun described the publication as a ‘timely intervention’ that would enhance the judiciary’s capacity to efficiently resolve trade and shipping disputes. She noted that the book’s practical approach to interpreting legal issues—ranging from carriage contracts to cargo liabilities and dispute resolution under local and international frameworks—would serve as a foundational text for legal practitioners and judicial officers.
“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,” she said.
The CJN also commended Usoro for her contributions to Nigeria’s legal landscape, citing the author’s years of practice and commitment to institutional improvement. With over 90 percent of Nigeria’s international trade conducted by sea, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the need for clear legal guidelines to manage transactions and disputes effectively.
In his goodwill message, Aliko Dangote, founder of Dangote Group, praised the book as a critical resource for businesses involved in global trade. “This is the kind of resource that improves certainty in commercial transactions and boosts confidence among business operators,” he remarked, lauding Usoro’s expertise and influence in trade and legal practice.
The book, which integrates both local and international legal standards, is designed as a reference for legal professionals, regulators, financial institutions, and stakeholders in the trade and shipping industries.
Reviewing the book, Adedolapo Akinrele, SAN, described it as a ‘unique, structured resource’ enriched with over 200 cases, extensive chapters, and global conventions illustrating key concepts in maritime and international trade law. He noted its practicality and relevance to both seasoned professionals and new entrants in the field.
With strong endorsements from the judiciary and industry leaders, Usoro’s latest work is poised to become an authoritative text in maritime law and a catalyst for judicial and economic reforms in Nigeria.
