Maritime
THE Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) and the Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC) have pledged to strengthen collaboration to drive reforms, professionalism and sustainable development in the maritime sector.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the newly elected MARAN executives to the NPCC headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of NPCC, Mr Bolaji Sunmola, described the relationship between the media and the maritime industry as mutually beneficial.
Sunmola said the council regarded the media as a strategic partner in shaping policies, driving reforms and promoting dialogue within the port industry.
“We welcome you wholeheartedly on behalf of the council, the Board of Trustees and management. Our relationship with the media is symbiotic and we value the role you play in strengthening the industry,” he said.
He noted that the council had sustained a media-friendly culture over the years and expressed optimism that the renewed engagement with MARAN would further enhance cooperation.
President of MARAN, Mr Oluyinka Onigbinde, said the visit underscored the association’s commitment to building stronger ties with key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Onigbinde commended the NPCC for its role in promoting operational efficiency, dialogue and harmony within the ports system.
“MARAN remains committed to responsible and developmental journalism that supports reforms and advances the growth of the maritime industry,” he said.
He added that the association had, over the years, contributed to policy reforms through investigative reporting, advocacy and analysis, including efforts that supported the emergence of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the ports’ economic regulator.
In her remarks, the NPCC Vice President, Mrs Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), congratulated the new MARAN executives and urged journalists to prioritise constructive reporting.
“We welcome constructive criticism, but journalists should seek clarification before publishing reports that may be damaging,” she said.
Anishere said collaboration between MARAN and the council’s media committee would enhance awareness of NPCC activities and advocacy programmes.
Also speaking, Capt. Emmanuel Ebubeogu said both organisations shared a common goal of advocacy, noting that sustained engagement was essential to addressing challenges in the maritime sector.
Mrs Ify Akerele, a member of the council, advised journalists to avoid sensationalism and embrace balanced reporting to support the growth and competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Responding, NPCC members reiterated their commitment to improving port operations and called on maritime journalists to support the council’s initiatives through objective reportage.
The meeting ended with both organisations expressing optimism that the renewed partnership would strengthen stakeholder engagement and contribute to the development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Tags: MARAN NPCC