By Sandra Chukwunyere
Former Minister of Interior and Chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas Limited, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, has underscored the critical role of the media in driving sustainable development in Nigeria’s maritime sector, warning that while responsible journalism can accelerate reforms and investment, inaccurate reporting can undermine progress and erode confidence.
Iheanacho, who spoke on Friday, April 24, through Dr. Emeka Akabogu (SAN), delivered this message at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents in Lagos.
Drawing from nearly five decades of experience across private enterprise and public service, the former minister identified agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and stakeholder mobilisation as the four key functions through which the media can influence maritime development.
According to him, the media possesses a unique power to shape national priorities by consistently highlighting industry challenges such as port congestion, high transaction costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
“Many genuine industry problems do not gain policy attention until the media shines a consistent light on them,” he said, adding that sustained and informed reporting is necessary to ensure reforms are not only initiated but also fully implemented.
On accountability, Iheanacho acknowledged the watchdog role played by maritime journalists in exposing inefficiencies, corruption risks, and administrative bottlenecks across the sector. However, he cautioned against reporting based on incomplete facts or limited technical understanding.
“A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors, and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must therefore be rigorous, fair, and evidence-based,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of public education, noting that the maritime industry remains highly technical and often poorly understood by the general public despite its direct impact on trade, pricing, and employment.
He 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.”
On stakeholder mobilisation, Iheanacho said the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government, regulators, and private operators, helping to build consensus and sustain reform momentum.
“The media provides the platform where alignment begins.But beyond reporting events, journalists must track commitments and ensure that promises translate into measurable outcomes,” he noted.
Addressing MARAN members directly, he described maritime journalism as a “strategic national assignment,” urging practitioners to deepen their technical knowledge, interrogate data, and maintain credibility in their reportage.
“Your words can attract confidence or discourage it. Your analysis can clarify choice, or deepen confusion,” he said
Adding historical context to the association’s evolution, MARAN’s pioneer president, Alban Opara, in a brief historical reflection, recalled that the association was founded in 1988 at the height of port congestion and economic reforms under the Structural Adjustment Programme.
He noted that early maritime reporters operated without accreditation, often gaining access to ports under difficult conditions, but remained committed to investigative and developmental journalism.
Opara highlighted 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.
He added that 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.
In his goodwill message, former Comptroller of Customs and District Head of Ketare, Usman Bello Kankara, traced his long-standing relationship with MARAN, which began in 1989 during his tenure as Public Relations Officer at the Apapa Customs Command.
Kankara, who was represented at the event, commended the association for its professionalism and support over the years, recalling how MARAN’s coverage contributed to his recognition as Best PRO of the Nigeria Customs Service in 1999 and helped the Tin Can Island Command earn accolades for public engagement.
Despite his absence due to security challenges in his domain in Katsina State, he reaffirmed his enduring ties with the association and wished its members continued success.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Capt. Sunday Umoren, represented by Head of Technical Abuja MoU, Engr. Richard Owolabi, lauded MARAN for its contributions to maritime advocacy and transparency, describing it as a vital partner in promoting safe and sustainable shipping in West and Central Africa.
The organisation also recognised Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, describing him as a “destiny supporter” and a key ally in advancing regional maritime objectives.
The Abuja MoU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with MARAN to enhance accurate reporting and support the growth of a safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping environment.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the MARAN Caretaker Committee, Tunde Ayodele, described the event as a historic moment in the association’s journey, noting that it was a deliberate effort to reconnect with MARAN’s roots and honour its founding leaders.
Recalling the association’s formation in 1988, Ayodele said 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.
“Today, many of them are in their 60s and 70s, and we gather not just to celebrate their years, but to honour their enduring legacy, sacrifice, and vision,” he said.
He also paid tribute to deceased members of the association, observating a moment of silence in their honour, describing their contributions as foundational to MARAN’s growth.
Ayodele noted that MARAN’s 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, Sesan Onileimo, Elder Pius Mordi, and Dr. Bolaji Akinola as examples of enduring leadership.
“When my team assumed office as caretakers, one of our key priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men,” he said, adding that their wisdom and guidance remain essential to the association’s future.
He appealed to the past leaders to continue to see MARAN as their home, stressing that their involvement would strengthen the association and sustain its relevance in the maritime sector.
