CHIEF JUSTICE KAMANDA HONOURED IN NIGERIA, RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD FROM KENYAN CHIEF JUSTICE:
By David K.Fengai
Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja, Nigeria, 23 July 2026:
Sierra Leone’s Judiciary scored a major international win this week as the Honourable Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Komba Kamanda, was honoured with a prestigious commemorative plaque at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja.
The award, presented by Kenya’s Chief Justice Honourable Martha K. Koome, recognized Justice Kamanda’s outstanding leadership, distinguished contribution to judicial discourse, and his eunwavering commitment to advancing the jurisprudence of Maritime Law.
The high-level seminar, jointly organized by the Judiciary of Nigeria and the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, convened judges, jurists, professors, policymakers and senior administrators from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Ghana, The Gambia, Hong Kong and other with jurisdictions. The focus: contemporary developments in Admiralty and Maritime Law, emerging challenges, and practical recommendations to strengthen maritime jurisprudence across borders.
In a mark of the high regard in which he is held, Chief Justice Kamanda was selected to Chair and Moderate the seminar’s second technical session on 23 July 2026. He served alongside Chief Justice Koome, who also chaired a session — a pairing that underscored Sierra Leone’s growing stature in the international judicial community.
Speaking after receiving the plaque, Chief Justice Kamanda expressed profound appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for the invitation.
“The Judiciary of Sierra Leone will continue to collaborate with judiciaries and other institutions to advance and broaden jurisprudence, not only in maritime law but in other areas of the law, with a view to strengthening our justice systems and upholding the rule of law,” he said.
“I sincerely thank you for this recognition at this august gathering.”
Beyond moderating, the award to Chief Justice Kamanda signals Sierra Leone’s increasing influence in global legal forums. It also reflects a deliberate push under his leadership to promote judicial excellence, knowledge sharing, and regional cooperation in specialized areas of law.
He was accompanied to Abuja by Honourable Justice F.B. Alhadi and Honourable Justice Mamie, both Judges of the Admiralty and Fast Track Commercial Court of Sierra Leone. Their participationr reinforced the Chief Justice’s commitment to building local capacity and aligning Sierra Leone’s courts with international best practices.
Distinguished speakers at the seminar included Prof. Awaal Magashi of Bayero University, Kano, who delivered insights on contemporary developments in Maritime Law and the challenges facing admiralty courts today.
The honour bestowed on Chief Justice Kamanda stands as both a personal milestone and a testament to the visionary leadership steering Sierra Leone’s Judiciary onto the world stage.
