MARAN applauds Emeka Akabogu’s elevation to SAN rank

MARAN applauds Emeka Akabogu’s elevation to  SAN rank

By Babatunde Aremu

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has congratulated renowned maritime lawyer and industry thought leader, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, on his elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), describing the recognition as a fitting reward for his outstanding contributions to the legal profession and the maritime sector.

In a statement issued by the association President, Godfrey Bivbere, MARAN commended Akabogu for his unwavering commitment to excellence, his deep-rooted involvement in the development of maritime law, and his consistent advocacy for reforms that have shaped policies and regulatory frameworks within the industry. The association noted that his elevation to the rank of SAN is not only a personal achievement but also a major milestone for the maritime legal community in Nigeria.

Akabogu, who is the principal partner at Akabogu & Associates, has carved a niche for himself as a foremost maritime lawyer with decades of experience in shipping, oil and gas, international trade, and dispute resolution. He holds a Doctorate Degree in International Maritime Law, making him the first African to attain that feat from the prestigious International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), an affiliate of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) based in Malta. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Maritime Law from University College London.

Over the years, Akabogu has become a household name in Nigeria’s maritime sector, providing legal advisory services to a wide array of stakeholders including government agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, and multinational oil and gas firms. He is also known for his dedication to capacity building, legal scholarship, and mentorship of upcoming maritime professionals.

He is the founder and convener of the Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS), a high-level policy platform that brings together government leaders and industry experts to chart a sustainable future for Nigeria’s maritime domain. Through NIMS, Akabogu has continued to promote strategic dialogue on critical industry issues such as the blue economy, maritime security, trade facilitation, and regulatory efficiency.

Barrister Akabogu is also the Vice Chairman of the Organised Oil Trading Logistics (OTL) Africa Downstream Week, one of the continent’s foremost platforms for downstream petroleum and logistics. His work with OTL has helped to strengthen regulatory compliance and improve operational standards across the downstream sector, while also fostering investment and innovation.

In addition to his professional practice and industry leadership, Akabogu is a prolific author. To mark his 50th birthday earlier in the year, he launched two authoritative legal texts—Ship Arrest in Nigeria and Nigerian Ports Law—which have been widely acclaimed by legal practitioners, academics, and regulatory agencies. These publications are regarded as significant contributions to the codification and simplification of Nigeria’s maritime legal regime.

He has also been instrumental in nurturing young talents within the legal and maritime sectors. One of his recent initiatives, the Emeka Akabogu Maritime Writing Challenge (DEAM WRICH), is aimed at encouraging legal research and creative writing among Nigerian youths between the ages of 18 and 30. The initiative has been lauded for promoting interest in maritime law and offering a platform for young people to engage meaningfully with issues affecting the sector.

Akabogu’s role in national discourse has also extended to policy advocacy. He has consistently pushed for the effective implementation of the Cabotage regime, disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), and adoption of technology-driven trade facilitation measures such as the Single Window System. He has argued that the Nigerian maritime industry has the potential to generate over ₦7 trillion annually and create millions of jobs if the right policies and infrastructures are put in place.

MARAN, while congratulating him, expressed confidence that his new status as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria will further enhance his capacity to champion legal reforms and drive meaningful change within the maritime and trade ecosystems. The association reaffirmed its support for Akabogu’s vision and called on other professionals in the sector to emulate his dedication, intellectual rigor, and passion for national development.

With this elevation, Barrister Emeka Akabogu joins the distinguished league of legal luminaries whose careers have left indelible marks on both the legal profession and the broader Nigerian economy.