Master mariner and erstwhile Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho has harped on the critical role of the media in driving sustainable development of maritime sector of the economy.
He warned that while responsible journalism can accelerate reforms and investments, inaccurate reporting can undermine progress and erode the confidence of the people.
Ihenacho stated this at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos recently.
The erstwhile Minister who was represented at the occasion by Lagos base lawyer, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN, drew from his wealth of experience in the private sector and public service to identify agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and stakeholder mobilisation as the four key functions through which media practitioners can pursue sustainable maritime development in the country.
He averred that media practitioners possess what he called “a unique power” to shape national priorities by consistently highlighting industry challenges such as port congestion, high transaction costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
His words: “Many genuine industry problems do not move into policy consciousness until the media shines a consistent light on them. Sustained and informed reporting is necessary to ensure reforms are not only initiated but also followed through to completion”.
While acknowledging the watchdog role played by maritime journalists in exposing inefficiencies, corruption risks, and administrative bottlenecks across the sector, the former Interior Minister warned that reporting based on incomplete facts or insufficient technical understanding of the issues should be avoided.
His words: “A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors, and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must therefore be rigorous, fair, and evidence-based.”
Ihenacho also stressed the importance of public education even as he noted that the maritime industry remains highly technical and often poorly understood by the general public despite its direct impact on trade, pricing, and employment in the country.
The former Minister called for more data-driven reporting, simplified explanations of policies, and increased coverage of inland waterways and coastal economies, warning that “Nigeria cannot build a strong blue economy with a poorly informed public.”
He maintained that the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government, regulators, and private operators, helping to build consensus and sustain momentum around reforms.
According to him, the media provides the platform where alignment begins. But beyond reporting events, journalists must track commitments and ensure that promises translate into measurable outcomes. Maritime journalism is a strategic national assignment. Therefore, media practitioners should deepen their technical knowledge, interrogate data, and maintain credibility in their reportage at all times.
Your words can attract confidence—or discourage it. Your analysis can clarify choices—or deepen confusion.
The pioneer President of MARAN, Pastor Alban Opara in his remarks, dived into memory lane on how the association was formed more than three decades ago.
He recalled that the association was founded in 1988 at the height of port congestion and economic reforms under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the General Ibrahim Badamosi Babaginda’s administration.
Opara revealed that in those days, maritime reporters operated without accreditation, often gaining access to ports under difficult conditions.
The journalist turned clergy however maintained that they remained committed to investigative and developmental journalism as it pertains to the maritime sector of the economy.
He used the occasion to highlight how persistent media exposure of port inefficiencies, including artificial congestion and costly demurrage practices, helped draw government attention to sectoral challenges and contributed to major policy outcomes such as the National Shipping Policy and Cabotage regime.
According to him, MARAN was established not only to protect the interests of maritime journalists but also to position the media as a critical partner in national economic and maritime development.
Several goodwill messages were presented at the occasion. These include the former Customs Area Controller (CAC), Eastern Marine Command, Port Harcourt, Rivers State and Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and presently the District Head of Ketare, Katsina State, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara popularly called UK Bello; and the Secretary-General of Abuja MoU, Captain Sunday Umoren.
They lauded the roles MARAN has played over the years, especially for its contributions to maritime advocacy and transparency, describing it as a vital partner in promoting safe and sustainable shipping in the West and Central Africa Sub-regions.
The Chairman, MARAN Caretaker Committee, Tunde Ayodele in his welcome address, described the event as a historic moment in the association’s journey.
While noting that the reception of its past leaders was a deliberate effort to reconnect with MARAN’s roots and honour its founding leaders, he recalled that many of the pioneers were young professionals in their early 30s at the time who came together to establish a dedicated maritime reporting beat in Nigeria.
Said he: “Today, many of them are in their 60s and 70s and we gather not just to celebrate their years, but to honour their enduring legacies, sacrifice, and vision.”
Ayodele used the event to pay tribute to deceased members of MARAN just as he requested for a moment of silence in their honour.
He described their contributions as foundational to MARAN’s growth, pointing out that MARAN past presidents had distinguished themselves not only in journalism but also in public service, advisory roles, and national development, citing figures such as Alban Opara, Elder Asu Beks, Adeleye Ajayi, Dele Aderibigbe, Sesan Onileimo, Elder Pius Mordi, and Dr. Bolaji Akinola as examples of enduring leadership.
According to him, when my team assumed office as caretakers, one of our key priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men. Their wisdom and guidance remain essential to the association’s future.
Ayodele enjoined past leaders of the association to continue to see MARAN as their home.
He affirmed that their continued involvement would strengthen the association and sustain its relevance in the maritime sector of the economy.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards of appreciation to the past presidents.
