The firm recently celebrated its 21st anniversary by sponsoring the performance of the play Death and the Maiden that was written by Ariel Dorfman in the same era, the early 1980’s, in a country--Chile-- that was similarly in political and social upheaval. The next day the lawyers and their guests did what today’s Lagos residents do best: they hosted a regatta. Full Story

Regatta hosted by Ajumogobia & Okeke. Click image for larger view.

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A Sea Change in Security?: ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code)
by: Regina A. McConahay, Interlaw, Ltd.

Regina A. McConahay

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ISPS Code is Only the Tip of the Iceberg
by: Edward D. Greenberg, Galland, Kharasch, Greenberg, Fellman & Swirsky, P.C.  

The article by Regina McConahay, which addresses the ISPS Code, is an excellent discussion of some of the security measures imposed by the U.S. and its trading partners that affect the operations of ocean merchant vessels and the various ports. Clearly, the various carriers and affected ports will need to conform their activities with a growing host of security measures, all of which are going to affect - - for better or for worse - - the efficient movement of cargo throughout the world.

However, the ISPS Code, together with the various laws that will be implemented by the individual trading nations, is really only a part of the regulations and restrictions that have been put in place, or which will be implemented, by a large number of government agencies around the world. Since a major part of our firm's practice relates to international trade and transportation, we witness at close hand the ever-increasing concern and initiatives by the U.S. Congress and both U.S. and overseas governmental agencies relating to the enhancement of security. Full Story 

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ISPS Code: A Challenge for Central America 
by: Manual Enrique Lizano, F.A. Arias & Munoz

Full Story 

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ISPS Code: Nigerian Perspectives
by: Olasupo Shasore, Ajumogobia & Okeke

Olasupo Shasore

The Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) 1974 chapter X1 has been amended to include special measures for maritime security. The purpose of the ISPS Code is to provide a standardized, consistent framework for evaluating risk, enabling governments to respond to changes in security threat levels and changes in vulnerability of ships and port facilities. The introduction of this Code and the need for compliance with it, poses substantial obligations on parties operating in and around the several seaports and terminals in Nigeria.

The Nigerian economy relies on a considerable amount of import activity save for the major export of the nation, crude oil. There is, therefore substantial maritime activity serving the nation's economy. Full Story 

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ISPS Code Represents a Potential Barrier to Trade
by: Andrew Hudson, Hunt & Hunt