By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has placed ethical journalism at the centre of discussions ahead of the inauguration of its newly elected Executive Council scheduled for June 23, 2026, in Lagos.
The event, which will take place at Rockview Hotel, Apapa Lagos, is expected to attract key stakeholders from the maritime, shipping, logistics, security and media sectors.
With the theme, “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development,” the inauguration will provide a platform for industry players and media professionals to examine the role of responsible journalism in promoting transparency, accountability and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Speaking ahead of the event, MARAN President, Comrade Oluyinka Onigbinde, said the association remains committed to strengthening professionalism and credibility in maritime reporting.
According to him, the incoming Executive Council will focus on capacity building for members, deeper engagement with industry stakeholders and strict adherence to ethical journalism standards.
He noted that the maritime industry remains a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy and requires accurate, balanced and professional reportage to support its continued development.
“Ethical journalism is essential to promoting transparency and accountability in the maritime sector. As journalists, we have a responsibility to ensure that developments within the industry are reported accurately and fairly in the interest of national development,” Onigbinde said.
The inauguration ceremony will be chaired by Emmanuel Maiguwa Gankino, President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN), while public relations and event management expert, Bolaji Abimbola, will deliver the keynote address.
Expected at the event are the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah Ukeyima; and the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.
Other expected guests include heads of maritime agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, maritime associations and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
The event will also formally usher in MARAN’s new leadership, which is expected to guide the association’s efforts toward advancing ethical journalism and contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry and blue economy.
The inauguration is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
