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A former Minister of Interior and maritime industry veteran, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, has emphasised the strategic role of the media in driving sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector, warning that inaccurate reporting could undermine reforms and investor confidence.
Speaking through Dr. Emeka Akabogu (SAN) at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents in Lagos, Iheanacho identified agenda-setting, accountability, public education and stakeholder mobilisation as key ways the media can influence maritime development.
He said sustained media focus on challenges such as port congestion, infrastructure gaps and policy inconsistencies can push critical issues into policy consciousness and sustain reform momentum.
On accountability, he acknowledged maritime journalists’ watchdog role in exposing inefficiencies and corruption risks but cautioned against reporting based on incomplete facts.
“A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must be rigorous, fair and evidence based,” he said.
Iheanacho also stressed the need for data-driven reporting and greater public education on the maritime sector, describing journalism as central to building a strong blue economy.
Addressing MARAN members, he described maritime journalism as a strategic national assignment and urged practitioners to deepen technical knowledge and maintain credibility.
Providing historical context, MARAN pioneer president, Alban Opara, recalled that the association was founded in 1988 during a period of severe port congestion and economic reforms.
He said early maritime reporters worked under difficult conditions but remained committed to investigative journalism, adding that sustained media exposure of port inefficiencies contributed to policy outcomes such as the National Shipping Policy and Cabotage regime.
Opara noted that MARAN was created not only to protect maritime journalists’ interests but also to position the media as a partner in national economic development.
In his goodwill message, former Comptroller of Customs and District Head of Ketare, Usman Bello Kankara, commended MARAN’s professionalism and longstanding contributions to public engagement in the maritime sector.
Also speaking, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Capt. Sunday Umoren, represented by Engr. Richard Owolabi, described MARAN as a vital partner in promoting transparency and sustainable shipping in West and Central Africa.
The organisation also recognised Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for supporting regional maritime objectives, while reaffirming collaboration with MARAN to strengthen accurate reporting.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the MARAN Caretaker Committee, Tunde Ayodele, described the reception as a deliberate effort to reconnect with the association’s roots and honour its founding leaders.
Ayodele noted that past presidents had distinguished themselves in journalism, public service and national development, citing Alban Opara, Elder Asu Beks, Sesan Onileimo, Elder Pius Mordi and Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
He urged past leaders to remain actively involved in the association, stressing that their guidance remains essential to MARAN’s growth and continued relevance in the maritime sector.
