By Sandra Chukwunyere
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have tasked maritime media professionals with upholding ethical journalism as a foundation for transparency, accountability, security, and sustainable industry development, while urging maritime reporters to remain committed to professionalism and responsible reportage.
The call was made on Tuesday in Lagos during the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by President Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde.
The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, security agencies, freight forwarders, and media practitioners under the theme: “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.”
Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, Chief Executive Officer of Indigo Integrated, described journalism as the backbone of accountability and public trust. He warned that inaccurate or sensational reports on port congestion, piracy, and regulatory issues could erode investor confidence and distort public perception. He urged journalists to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, balance, and data-driven investigative reporting.
Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, President of MASPAN, stressed that ethical and investigative journalism promote transparency and good governance in the maritime industry. He charged reporters to remain committed to factual reporting and continuous professional development.
Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde pledged to build a stronger, more united, and professionally vibrant MARAN. He outlined his administration’s priorities, including capacity building, investigative and data-driven journalism, adoption of digital reporting tools, improved members’ welfare, and stronger stakeholder engagement while maintaining editorial independence.
“We are expected to inform, educate, investigate, analyse, and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism and reject misinformation,” he said.
“The elections are behind us. There is only one MARAN.”
NAGAFF, represented by its General Secretary, Mr. Godfrey Nwosu, reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with MARAN on training, research, and advocacy.
CP Toyin Agbaminoja, the Western Zonal Coordinator, represented by ASP Isaac Hundeyin, commended MARAN’s professionalism in security reporting and pledged continued support for a safe and business-friendly port environment.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to uphold ethical journalism as a vital tool for maritime development, institutional accountability, transparency, and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector.If you intend to publish it as a news story, I can also make it more newspaper-style with a stronger lead and headline
