Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda, has received a prestigious invitation to participate as a Special Guest at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges scheduled to take place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 22nd to 24th July 2026.
The invitation was personally delivered to the Chief Justice in Freetown by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) through its Senior Legal Officer, Abubakar S. Bello Esq., acting on the directive of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, GCON.
The decision by senior officials of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to travel to Sierra Leone solely to hand over the invitation reflects the high regard and respect accorded to Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda within judicial circles across Africa. It is also a testament to the growing international recognition of the reforms and innovations he has championed within Sierra Leone’s Judiciary since assuming office in less than two years.
Presenting the invitation, Mr. Bello conveyed the goodwill of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and expressed regret for his inability to attend the meeting in person.
“My Lord, I have the honour to convey the warm compliments of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and present his unalloyed apologies for being unavoidably absent from this meeting,” said Abubakar Bello.
He explained that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, a statutory agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, was established to protect and promote the interests of shippers in matters affecting international trade and transportation. Beyond its traditional role as Port Economic Regulator, the Council actively promotes efficient maritime transport systems, trade facilitation, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and the advancement of maritime law and jurisprudence throughout the region.
According to Mr. Bello, the Council works closely with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the Nigerian Maritime Lawyers Association, and the Nigerian Judiciary in organizing the International Maritime Seminar for Judges, which has evolved into one of Africa’s foremost judicial and maritime law forums.
“The Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria has graciously extended a formal invitation to Your Lordship to participate in this important event. It is therefore my singular honour and privilege to respectfully present the attached invitation letter and convey our sincere hope that Your Lordship will be able to attend and enrich the deliberations with your esteemed presence and experience,” he said.
His Lordship Honourable Justice Komba Kamanda expressed profound appreciation to his counterpart, the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the leadership of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for the honour and recognition.
“On behalf of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, I wish to sincerely thank you for travelling all the way from Nigeria to personally deliver this invitation,” Chief Justice Kamanda said.
He further noted that Sierra Leone and Nigeria share a longstanding and rich history of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“Our two countries enjoy a very rich and historic relationship, and we have always appreciated the support and collaboration that exist between us. This recognition is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to further strengthening these ties,” he added.