By Sandra Chukwunyere
… As FMNL Launches Maritime Media Centre
The maritime sector has received a boost with the launch of the Maritime Media and Capacity Development Centre, on Wednesday in Lagos, imed at enhancing the skills of maritime journalists. Stakeholders at the launch emphasized the crucial role of the media in promoting transparency and competitiveness in the maritime industry.
Speaking at the event, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi MFR, urged maritime journalists to continue setting the agenda for accelerated growth in the sector.
According to him,” the maritime journalists’ role is crucial in highlighting areas where the industry can improve”.
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Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator FOU Zone A Ikeja, ACG Mohammed Babandede, emphasized the importance of balanced reportage in maritime journalism.
He noted that the Customs Service’s door remains open for engagement, collaboration, and partnership with the media. This, he believes, will enable the Service to address any concerns or issues that may arise and work together to find solutions.
Speaking in his keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, pointed out that the media has contributed significantly to greater transparency within the maritime industry landscape.
Akutah noted that this has ensured competitiveness and encouraged efficiency in the sector.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by Moses Abere, Director of Special Duties, also emphasized that the media plays a vital role in promoting good governance and accountability in the industry.
The NSC boss said that maritime journalism requires deeper and digital knowledge to achieve success and greater achievements.
He stressed the need for journalists to cultivate a culture of appreciation, accuracy, balance, and integrity, which is highly needed for journalism practice. This, he said, will enable maritime journalists to provide high-quality reportage that informs and educates the public.
In his part, the National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, highlighted the importance of data analytics in maritime journalism, identifying it as descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive. He emphasized that data analytics enables one to analyze situations and make informed decisions.
Dr. Maiwada’s presentation was followed by a discussion on the single window policy of the Federal Government, which aims to boost revenue, streamline trade, and provide a single entry point. Former Acting President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Farinto Collins, expressed optimism that the policy will solve a lot of problems, especially for customs brokers.
Dr. Emeka Akabogu, Senior Partner, Akabogu Law, commended the organizers of the seminar for launching the Maritime Media and Capacity Development Centre, describing it as a welcome development. Akabogu noted that the centre would provide a platform for journalists to acquire industry-specific knowledge and understanding of the nuances and details of maritime issues.
Former Acting President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr. Farinto Collins, spoke on the single window policy of the Federal Government, expressing optimism that the policy will solve a lot of problems, especially for customs brokers. According to Dr. Farinto, the single window aims to boost revenue, streamline trade, and provide a single entry point.
The CEO of First Mediacon Network Limited (FMNL)Mr. Sesan Onileimo, described the launch of the Maritime Media and Capacity Development Centre as a turning point for the industry, providing a platform for maritime journalists to acquire necessary skills and knowledge. The centre’s launch is expected to enhance the quality of maritime reporting and promote transparency and accountability in the sector.
The event featured the presentation of awards to industry stakeholders, including the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, CEO of Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, and National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, recognizing their contributions to the growth and development of the maritime industry.
