By Oluyinka Onigbinde & Joshua Yousouph
Former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Dr. Kayode Farinto, has challenged maritime journalists to take a more proactive role in revitalising Nigeria’s maritime sector, warning that the industry is gradually losing its vibrancy and requires urgent intervention.
Farinto made the call during a courtesy visit by the newly elected executives of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria to his Lagos office, where he urged maritime correspondents to reclaim their watchdog role and drive conversations capable of transforming the industry.
According to him, maritime journalism once played a critical role in shaping policies and holding stakeholders accountable, but has since become less impactful.
He lamented what he described as growing complacency among industry reporters, stating that the sector needs constructive criticism and investigative reporting to stimulate growth and accountability.
“The first thing you have to do is wake the industry from its slumber. Maritime journalists were once vibrant, but over time they started snoring. Make news; the industry is dying,” he said.
Farinto stressed that criticism remains an essential ingredient of effective leadership, arguing that leaders who reject criticism are unlikely to achieve meaningful progress.
“If you don’t criticise, you won’t know whether you are sitting well or not. Any leader who does not want to be criticised is not a leader,” he stated.
Drawing parallels with national leadership, he referenced remarks previously made by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the President had publicly welcomed criticism as a means of improving governance.
Farinto recalled an encounter with the President in Abuja, where Tinubu described himself as “a thinker and a doer,” adding that such a mindset should inspire both maritime journalists and industry stakeholders to pursue practical solutions rather than mere rhetoric.
He further urged the new MARAN leadership to embrace innovation, courage, and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities, warning that attempts to avoid controversy could ultimately undermine their mandate.
“You have been elected and the mandate has been given to you. Represent the industry well. If you must step on toes, step on toes. But if you say you don’t want to offend, you end up offending yourself. History will judge you,” he said.
The ANLCA chieftain also drew from his academic experience, noting that effective leadership requires deep reflection and decisive action. He warned that without bold reforms and sustained scrutiny from the media, the maritime industry could experience further decline.
Responding, MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, commended Farinto for his contributions to the maritime sector and his role in advancing industry development.
Onigbinde described Farinto as a fearless advocate and a committed industry stakeholder whose efforts have contributed significantly to the growth and visibility of ANLCA.
“He is a dogged fighter and a go-getter. When he wants something done, he says it as it is. Through his efforts, ANLCA has been pushed to greater heights,” he said.
Also speaking, former MARAN National Secretary, Babatunde Mukaila, advised the newly inaugurated executives to prioritise stakeholder engagement and maintain an open-door policy.
Mukaila urged the leadership to consult widely, seek professional advice, and embrace constructive suggestions that would enhance the association’s effectiveness.
“There are many things that need to be done. I advise you to hit the ground running, consult widely and keep your doors open for advice, consultation and suggestions,” he said.
The visit formed part of MARAN’s ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts following the emergence of its new executive council, with industry leaders expressing expectations that the association will play a stronger role in promoting accountability, innovation and sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
