In a bid to drive informative and truthful industry coverage, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Chief, Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT. has called on maritime media practitioners to maintain strict professional ethics, emphasizing that responsible journalism remains a vital pillar for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to a statement by the Council’s Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, Dr. Akutah made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly inaugurated executives of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by their president, Mr. Yinka Onigbinde, at the NSC headquarters in Lagos.
While welcoming the delegation, the NSC Chief lauded MARAN’s enduring contributions to maritime journalism. He emphasized that the media is an invaluable partner in fostering transparency, accountability, and a clearer public understanding of government policies.
Expressing his gratitude for the visit, the NSC Chief noted, “The Council is delighted to receive you at our Headquarters. I sincerely appreciate the cordial relationship and partnership we have built over the years. Your contributions as maritime journalists are highly commendable.”
According to him, journalism goes far beyond breaking news. Media practitioners act as strategic educators and institutional watchdogs, shaping public discourse to drive global best practices across the maritime sector.
The NSC boss charged the media practitioners to prioritize objective coverage, shun misinformation, and strictly protect their sources. According to him, ethical reporting anchors stakeholder confidence and accelerates reforms designed to boost Nigeria’s maritime sector competitiveness.
Dr. Akutah also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He described the initiative as a landmark policy decision that provides clear strategic direction, attracts investor interest, and positions the maritime industry as a critical driver of national economic growth.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the media to drive awareness of ongoing reforms. These initiatives, he noted, are designed to improve port efficiency, enhance the ease of doing business, and maximize the sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.
“Your continued support has been invaluable to the growth of the maritime industry. We look forward to strengthening this partnership to achieve even greater results for the industry and for Nigeria as a whole,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Yinka Onigbinde, lauded the Council’s leadership for its proactive approach to industry reforms.
He pledged MARAN’s continued commitment to objective, developmental journalism, affirming the association’s readiness to partner with the NSC to champion initiatives that will drive sustainable growth across the maritime sector.
