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The Pioneer President of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Elder Asu Beks, has decried what he described as the poor treatment and neglect of maritime journalists, insisting practitioners covering the sector deserve better recognition, welfare support and professional respect.
Speaking at a reception organised in honour of past presidents of MARAN, Beks delivered a passionate charge to stakeholders, declaring that “maritime journalists are not slaves,” while calling for better engagement and appreciation for the critical role the media plays in the industry.
Beks, who clarified his status as MARAN’s first democratically elected president following the association’s constitutional process, praised the organisers for honouring the founding leadership of the body and reflected on MARAN’s enduring legacy as the training ground for maritime journalism in Nigeria.
He stressed that the media, as the fourth estate of the realm, remains central to democracy and accountability, urging journalists to uphold ethics, fairness and professionalism despite the pressures posed by social media and changing media realities.
According to him, while journalists continue to project the maritime industry and support agencies through daily reportage, press releases and sustained publicity, they receive little in return in terms of welfare, institutional support or inclusion in sector opportunities.
He questioned why maritime journalists are often excluded from corporate social responsibility initiatives by agencies and terminal operators they consistently give visibility, lamenting that practitioners routinely provide services without commensurate appreciation.
“All we do is massage their egos daily with little or no recognition. Maritime journalists deserve better,” he said.
Beks particularly condemned the proliferation of multiple maritime beat associations, warning that the fragmentation has weakened journalists’ bargaining power, damaged their collective welfare and affected their perception among industry stakeholders.
He argued that unity among maritime journalists is essential if they must continue to assert themselves as watchdogs and credible voices in the sector.
In a strong appeal to maritime agencies and stakeholders, Beks urged stronger partnership with the media to help position Nigeria prominently among maritime nations, while commending MARAN for what he described as its pace-setting and foundational role in the profession.
He also drew attention to what he called the unequal treatment of maritime correspondents compared to journalists covering sports, energy and finance, citing missed opportunities for international exposure, including participation at meetings of the International Maritime Organization.
Recalling how a colleague missed attending an IMO Council election in London despite securing sponsorship due to bureaucratic delays, Beks described the incident as symptomatic of wider disregard for maritime journalists.
“If covering the World Cup is the dream of sports journalists, when was the last time a maritime journalist was supported to cover an IMO Council meeting?” he queried.
He, however, singled out the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, for commendation, describing him as exceptionally supportive of maritime journalists.
While urging continued professionalism in reportage, Beks maintained that journalists covering the maritime beat must no longer accept neglect as normal, insisting the time has come for better welfare, greater inclusion and deserved respect.
The veteran journalist also called for solidarity within the profession and renewed commitment to advancing the interests of maritime reporters, saying the industry cannot thrive without a strong and respected maritime press.
