The Directorate of Legal Services, Naval Headquarters, has commenced its Maiden Annual Legal Seminar, a three-day capacity-building programme designed to deepen legal expertise and enhance the enforcement of maritime and labour laws in support of naval operations.
The event, which opened on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, at the Nigerian Army Legal Service Auditorium in Asokoro, Abuja, was declared open by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, Admiralty Medal, who was represented by the Chief of Administration, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mamman highlighted the centrality of professionalism, integrity, and continuous legal development in safeguarding justice within the Service. He noted that strengthening legal frameworks is essential to effective naval operations and the protection of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The opening session drew participation from senior officers across the military, paramilitary organisations, sister services, and the legal community. Their contributions helped set an intellectual and professional tone for the seminar, which aims to broaden legal perspectives, promote interagency cooperation, and advance adherence to global best practices.
Speakers emphasised the growing complexity of Nigeria’s maritime environment, the shifting landscape of military law, and the need for strategic legal enforcement to enhance national security, service discipline, and personnel welfare.
Day One featured two major paper presentations: one on the challenges and prospects in admiralty law and maritime litigation in Nigeria, delivered by Prof. Elijah Okebukola of Nasarawa State University, and another on the regime of Standing Court Martial in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, presented by Maj. Gen. Y. Shalangwa (Rtd).
The seminar is expected to continue with deeper engagements on critical legal themes as it progresses.
