The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, in this interview session during a courtesy visit by the newly-elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) to the Council’s headquarters in Lagos, emphasized the strategic role of the media in advancing the objectives of the Marine and Blue Economy under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The NSC boss discussed media-industry relations, investment opportunities, capacity building, ethical journalism, regulatory reforms, and the dangers posed by misinformation in the digital age.
“Since the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, there has been renewed investor confidence in the sector”
“A well-trained workforce benefits the entire maritime ecosystem.
What is your assessment of the relationship between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and maritime journalists over the years?
First of all, let me appreciate the leadership of MARAN for this important visit and for introducing the new executive members. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is always pleased to welcome maritime journalists because we recognize the critical role they play in the industry. Over the years, we have enjoyed a commendable partnership with maritime reporters. Your contributions extend beyond merely reporting activities within the sector. You educate the public about developments, monitor the activities of stakeholders, and serve as a watchdog to ensure accountability among agencies and operators. The truth is that maritime journalism has contributed immensely to the growth and visibility of the sector. The industry today enjoys greater awareness because of the work journalists have done over the years in highlighting opportunities, challenges, and reforms.
How important is the role of maritime journalists under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry?
The role has become even more important now. The decision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to establish a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy demonstrates the government’s commitment to unlocking the vast economic potential of the maritime sector. This means that stakeholders, investors, regulators, and the media now have a greater responsibility to contribute to the success of this vision. Journalists are expected to help communicate government policies, industry reforms, investment opportunities, and achievements to both local and international audiences. The media can help create awareness, build confidence, and shape positive perceptions about Nigeria’s maritime environment. That is why we are looking forward to strengthening our partnership with MARAN and other maritime media organizations.
What key priorities is the Nigerian Shippers’ Council currently pursuing?
We are focused on several strategic objectives. One of them is optimizing revenue generation within the maritime sector. Another is improving the competitiveness of Nigerian ports within the West African sub-region and globally. We are also committed to enhancing the capacity and competence of both service providers and service users. In addition, we are embracing technological advancement to ensure that government agencies and industry operators align with global best practices. All these reforms require visibility. They need to be properly communicated, and that is where the media becomes indispensable.
You mentioned increasing investments in the maritime sector. What developments are you seeing?
There are encouraging developments. Since the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, there has been renewed investor confidence in the sector. Several investors who were already operating in Nigeria are now expanding their investments significantly. We are seeing commitments running into hundreds of millions of dollars. There is increasing interest in port infrastructure, logistics, shipping services, and other maritime-related investments. For these investments to continue flowing, investors must be assured that Nigeria has a stable regulatory environment, respect for the rule of law, and policies that support business growth. The media plays a major role in communicating these realities to the global investment community.
What kind of reporting would best support industry growth and investment attraction?
We are not asking journalists to ignore challenges. Rather, we are encouraging balanced, professional, and factual reporting. What journalists publish can either strengthen investor confidence or create uncertainty. Investors pay attention to reports coming from the media. When developments are reported accurately and responsibly, they help portray Nigeria as a reliable destination for investment. However, if information is published without proper verification, it can create unnecessary panic and damage the reputation of institutions and the industry. Our appeal is for journalists to continue reporting the truth while ensuring that all sides of an issue are heard before publication.
There have been concerns about misinformation and unethical practices in some sections of the media. How serious is this challenge?
It is a serious concern. Today, because of the internet and social media, virtually anyone can claim to be a journalist. Unfortunately, some individuals exploit this environment to spread false information or engage in blackmail. Let me give an example. During a recent recruitment exercise conducted by the Council, an individual contacted one of my aides claiming to possess a report alleging that vacancies were being sold. He threatened to publish the story unless certain conditions were met. During discussions, he openly suggested that money should be paid to suppress the publication and even forwarded his account details. This illustrates the type of unethical conduct that sometimes occurs. We also experienced situations where individuals were allegedly induced to write petitions containing false claims. Such incidents demonstrate why media practitioners must carefully verify information and scrutinize their sources before publishing. Professional journalism requires diligence, fact-checking, and adherence to ethical standards.
What message do you have for journalists regarding source verification?
My advice is simple: verify every piece of information. If a source is unfamiliar or appears questionable, journalists should investigate thoroughly before publishing. When allegations are made against an organization or individual, the affected party should always be given an opportunity to respond. Balanced reporting protects both public interest and professional credibility. We have maintained an open-door policy at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Journalists can reach out to us at any time for clarification, verification, or additional information. We are always willing to provide facts that will help ensure accurate reporting.
How would you describe the current state of industrial relations within the maritime sector?
The sector is relatively peaceful at the moment. Through our regulatory oversight functions, we have continued engaging stakeholders to resolve disputes and encourage cooperation. Many challenges that could have escalated into major conflicts have been managed through dialogue and consultation. We believe peaceful coexistence is essential for growth, efficiency, and investment attraction. Again, the media has a role to play here. Reporting that promotes understanding and constructive engagement can help sustain peace within the industry.
Capacity building appears to be one of the Council’s priorities. Why is this important?
Human capital development is fundamental to the success of any organization. The future of every institution depends on the quality and competence of its workforce. An organization cannot achieve optimal results if its personnel lack the necessary knowledge and skills. That is why we invest heavily in training and retraining our staff. We are also open to collaborating with media organizations in the area of capacity building. Such partnerships have existed in the past, and we are willing to expand them, because a well-trained workforce benefits the entire maritime ecosystem.
What assurances can MARAN expect from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council under your leadership?
MARAN can continue to count on our support. We value the relationship that has existed between the Council and maritime journalists over the years, and we are committed to sustaining it. The Council’s management team, including our Directorate of Special Duties and Public Relations Department, remain available to engage with journalists whenever necessary. We will continue to provide information, facilitate engagement, support capacity-building initiatives, and collaborate in ways that advance both the maritime industry and national economic development. Our doors remain open.
