Eminent Nigerian personalities including Africa’s richest man and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno; Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; graced the unveiling of Barr. (Mrs.) Mfon Usoro’s book on “International Trade and Carriage of Goods by Sea.”
The immediate-past Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel; former Chief Executive of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema; former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi; Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius; Chairman, Starzs Investment, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; among others were in attendance.
Speaking at the book launch, the CJN, Hon. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, said the book reflects Usoro’s distinct wisdom of decades spent shaping policy, presiding over infrastructure projects and advising governments and global institutions alike.
The CJN, who also wrote the foreword of the book, posited that as Nigeria deepens its maritime networks and expands its ports, the book can be “the cornerstone of that foundation, a prompt to reform, a spur to scholarship and a guide to justice”.
“I have no doubt that the book will soon become an indispensable text for judges, arbitrators, lawyers and students. across our nation and region. I congratulate the author, her family, her colleagues, the many librarians, research assistants and peer reviewers whose efforts have made this possible. I congratulate the publisher for giving us the proof of such physical and intellectual appeal. I congratulate the entire shipping and legal community to whom this book belongs. May you draw from it the knowledge, the cautions and the inspirations it so generously offers,” Kekere-Ekun said.
On his part, the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, observed that there is a dearth of local materials on texts that offer clear insights into cases and addresses pertinent issues in international trade.
“My company and other companies involved in international trade will find this book useful even as it becomes a companion to maritime stakeholders. I’m highly impressed with the way the author has simplified maritime law and cases in the book.
“Without any hesitation, I recommend this book to all stakeholders. I heartily commend Mfon and I know it wouldn’t have been successful without the support of my brother Mr. Paul Usoro and the family which I’m part of. Congratulations,” Dangote said.
Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Pastor Eno, described the author as a distinguished daughter of Akwa Ibom State whose outstanding professional achievements and exemplary personal life are worthy of emulation.
Eno also commended renowned lawyer and maritime expert, Usoro, for authoring a groundbreaking book poised to influence the future of international trade.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Akwa-Ibom State, I congratulate Mfon Usoro on the launch of this book which is strategic at the time of heightened tariff and charges by the Trump administration. This will enable the policy makers and shipping industry experts to better navigate the complexities of trade,” he said.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, said beyond celebrating the author, the event should inspire a recommitment to scholarship, to service and to strategy.
His words: “On behalf of the government and the entire people of Lagos State, I extend my warmest congratulations. Lagos is home to Africa’s most ambitious experiments in integrated maritime and industrial growth. We are building new corridors of commerce via deep seaports and free trade zones. But none of this will reach its full potential without the jurisprudential clarity and legal fidelity that this book provides.
“It is our duty to embed such resources in our universities, in our ports, in our ministries and in our boardrooms. To our judiciary, may this book strengthen your adjudiciary arsenal. To our trade negotiations and policy makers, may it provide clarity amidst complexity. To our students and young lawyers, may it inspire excellence. To our port managers, logistic innovators and shipping lines, may it serve as a ready reference in the pursuit of efficiency and integrity.”
The chairman of the occasion and former President of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Umaru Abdullahi PCA (Rtd), remarked that if he could turn back the hands of time, he would have considered a career in shipping or in maritime law.
“I’m sure that this publication contains a lot of authentic, dignified and thrilling versions of maritime law. I believe we should embrace and make good use of it for our benefit. Join me in congratulating the author for this book which is a first-class work,” he stated.
Earlier, the book reviewer, Dolapo Akinrele SAN, opined that the essence of the book is that it serves as a reference point for international trade in the Nigerian system.
“In its structure and layout, there is an establishment of the need for balance between the buyer and seller, imports and exports. Incoterms are explained to make the book endearing to beginners as well as experts in the shipping trade. I hadn’t seen the book when I agreed to review it and I gasped when I discovered that it had 600 pages. However, it was a beautiful experience,” he said.
Also speaking, the Founder of Lelook bags and former Acting Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, asserted that Mfon Usoro has proven to be an intellectual giant.
“I know that this book is a serious research tool. It is for businesses, researchers, policy makers and the judiciary. As a trader, Mfon has broken down what the bill of lading and other business services means to me. Mfon has really digested the issues and brought it down to the grassroots,” Ezenwa said.
A former Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Adebayo Sarumi also had kind words about the author, commending her for developing several maritime policies and bills, even as he encouraged the federal government to give Mfon Usoro a significant national honour.
The author, who is also the President of Chartered Institute Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, stated that the book offers a comprehensive analysis of the legal, commercial, and operational aspects of international trade and the carriage of goods by sea from both Nigerian and global perspectives.
The occasion was graced by several shipping bigwigs, legal luminaries and banking sector leaders.
