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The newly elected executive of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to support Nigeria’s port modernisation drive and broader maritime sector development.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the new MARAN leadership, led by President Oluyinka Onigbinde, to the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, at the authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
Speaking during the visit, Onyemekara described the emergence of the new MARAN leadership as a positive development for maritime journalism and commended the association for a peaceful transition.
He praised the electoral committee and outgoing leadership for conducting a credible process, saying it reflected institutional stability within the association.
“What they have done deserves commendation. Some organisations would have scattered if not for those who ensured stability and successfully midwifed the election process,” he said.
Onyemekara also applauded MARAN for producing professionals who have distinguished themselves across sectors and reaffirmed the NPA’s longstanding relationship with the association.
“I have known the president for a very long time and we have built a relationship over the years. You can rest assured that relationship will continue to grow. MARAN remains a very strategic stakeholder within the maritime industry,” he stated.
He said the maritime sector was entering a defining phase with the Federal Government’s port modernisation initiative, which would improve competitiveness, cargo handling and trade efficiency.
According to him, the programme is designed to position Nigerian ports for larger vessels and increased transshipment opportunities.
He noted that growth at the Lekki Deep Sea Port highlighted the urgency of upgrading port infrastructure to meet global shipping demands.
“Most vessels being built globally today are designed for large draft channels. If we fail to position ourselves appropriately, we will simply be wasting time,” he said.
Onyemekara added that Nigeria possesses the demographic and economic fundamentals to become a leading maritime hub in Africa.
“The economy is here, the population is here, and the market is here. Once you combine these with an efficient port system, Nigerian ports can become major transshipment hubs within the region,” he added.
He called for stronger media support in educating Nigerians on the importance of the maritime sector and ongoing reforms, stressing the need for specialised training for maritime journalists in areas such as port infrastructure, logistics, shipping economics and trade facilitation.
Responding, Onigbinde appreciated the reception and reaffirmed MARAN’s commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders.
He stressed the need for continuous professional training for maritime journalists as the industry enters a new era driven by infrastructure expansion.
“Journalists need to be trained adequately so they can properly understand and project these developments to the public,” he said, noting that improved capacity building would strengthen reportage and deepen public understanding of maritime reforms.
The visit forms part of MARAN’s broader stakeholder engagement initiative aimed at strengthening industry partnerships and supporting growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
