By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Former Minister of Interior and maritime industry veteran, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, has underscored the critical role of the media in driving sustainable development within Nigeria’s maritime sector, warning that while responsible journalism can accelerate reforms and investment, inaccurate reporting can undermine progress and erode confidence.
Iheanacho, who spoke through Dr. Emeka Akabogwu (SAN), delivered this message at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents in Lagos.
Drawing from nearly five decades of experience across private enterprise and public service, the former minister identified agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and stakeholder mobilisation as the four key functions through which the media can influence maritime development.
According to him, the media possesses a unique power to shape national priorities by consistently highlighting industry challenges such as port congestion, high transaction costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
“Many genuine industry problems do not move into policy consciousness until the media shines a consistent light on them,” he said, adding that sustained and informed reporting is necessary to ensure reforms are not only initiated but also followed through to completion.
On accountability, Iheanacho acknowledged the watchdog role played by maritime journalists in exposing inefficiencies, corruption risks, and administrative bottlenecks across the sector. However, he cautioned against reporting based on incomplete facts or insufficient technical understanding.
“A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors, and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must therefore be rigorous, fair, and evidence-based,” he stated.
He further stressed the importance of public education, noting that the maritime industry remains highly technical and often poorly understood by the general public despite its direct impact on trade, pricing, and employment.
He called for more data-driven reporting, simplified explanations of policies, and increased coverage of inland waterways and coastal economies, warning that “Nigeria cannot build a strong blue economy with a poorly informed public.”
On stakeholder mobilisation, Iheanacho said the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government, regulators, and private operators, helping to build consensus and sustain momentum around reforms.
“The media provides the platform where alignment begins. But beyond reporting events, journalists must track commitments and ensure that promises translate into measurable outcomes,” he added.
Addressing MARAN members directly, he described maritime journalism as a “strategic national assignment,” urging practitioners to deepen their technical knowledge, interrogate data, and maintain credibility in their reportage.
“Your words can attract confidence—or discourage it. Your analysis can clarify choices—or deepen confusion,” he said.
Adding historical context to the association’s evolution, MARAN’s pioneer president, Alban Opara, in a brief historical reflection, recalled that the association was founded in 1988 at the height of port congestion and economic reforms under the Structural Adjustment Programme. He noted that early maritime reporters operated without accreditation, often gaining access to ports under difficult conditions, but remained committed to investigative and developmental journalism.
Opara highlighted how persistent media exposure of port inefficiencies, including artificial congestion and costly demurrage practices, helped draw government attention to sectoral challenges and contributed to major policy outcomes such as the National Shipping Policy and Cabotage regime. He added that MARAN was established not only to protect the interests of maritime journalists but also to position the media as a critical partner in national economic and maritime development.
In his goodwill message, former Comptroller of Customs and District Head of Ketare, Usman Bello Kankara, traced his long-standing relationship with MARAN, which began in 1989 during his tenure as Public Relations Officer at the Apapa Customs Command.
Kankara, who was represented at the event, commended the association for its professionalism and support over the years, recalling how MARAN’s coverage contributed to his recognition as Best PRO of the Nigeria Customs Service in 1999 and helped the Tin Can Island Command earn accolades for public engagement.
Despite his absence due to security challenges in his domain in Katsina State, he reaffirmed his enduring ties with the association and wished its members continued success.
Also speaking, the Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU, Capt. Sunday Umoren, represented by Engr. Richard Owolabi, lauded MARAN for its contributions to maritime advocacy and transparency.
The Abuja MoU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with MARAN to enhance accurate reporting and support the growth of a safe, secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping environment across West and Central Africa.
The event, which celebrated past leadership within MARAN, was widely regarded as a reflection of the association’s enduring influence in shaping discourse and policy within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
