The Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has elected a new leadership with the Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, emerging as President.
In her inaugural remarks, Anishere expressed profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to uphold the values of excellence, integrity and professionalism that have long defined the Association.
“I stand before you today deeply honoured by the trust you have placed in me to serve as President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria. I accept this responsibility with humility and a firm commitment to advance the values of excellence, integrity, and professionalism that define our Association.
“As we look ahead, my administration will focus on strengthening our professional capacity, increase membership and expand our visibility at the regional and international levels. We will deepen collaboration with key industry stakeholders and reinforce the ethical standards that underpin credible maritime arbitration,” She said.
Recognising the dedication of the Association’s past presidents, whose work she acknowledged made it possible for continuity, the new MAAN President sought support in order to achieve greater relevance and renewed impact.
Her words: “I ask for your support, your ideas, and your partnership. This is a collective mandate, and together we will steer MAAN to greater relevance and renewed impact.”
Anishere’s emergence marked a formal end of the tenure of the outgone executives led by Barrister Bodunrin Adewole.
At MAAN’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which held in Lagos, and doubled as the celebration of the Association’s 20th anniversary, members elected a fresh team for the administration of its affairs for the next three years. The new executives include Sir Osuala Nwagbara as Vice President, Mrs. Foluke Akinmoladun as Secretary, and Chief Ben Onwunma as Treasurer.
The AGM had in attendance an array of members and leaders from across Nigeria’s maritime legal community, including the Association’s pioneer President, Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN; Chairman of the Advisory Board, Hon. Justice E. O. Sanyaolu (Rtd); Mr. Chidi Ilogu, SAN; immediate past President, Mr. Bodunrin Adewole; former Director General of the Nigeria Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Ify Akerele; former President, Dr. Omogbai Omo-Eboh, SAN; Director of Marine and Blue Economy at NIMASA, Mrs. Nneka Obiayor; and immediate past Treasurer, Mrs. Oluseyi Adejuyigbe.
Established two decades ago, MAAN has maintained a dedicated mission to promote professional knowledge of maritime arbitration and to position Nigeria as a centre of excellence for maritime dispute resolution. Anishere reaffirmed this commitment, noting that Nigeria’s maritime sector remains crucial to both national and continental economic vibrancy.
Anishere charged members to work collectively in advancing the Association’s mandate. “Nigeria’s maritime sector is central to our national and continental economy, and MAAN has a vital role to play in ensuring that disputes are resolved efficiently and in line with global best practices,” she said. “Together, we will position Nigeria as a leading hub for maritime arbitration in Africa.”
