The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Ikechukwu Onyeamakara, has urged maritime journalists to embrace responsible and developmental reporting that promotes Nigeria’s maritime industry positively before the international community.
Onyeamakara made the call on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, while receiving the three-man Caretaker Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, during a courtesy visit to the NPA headquarters in Lagos.
Emphasizing journalism ethics built on accuracy, balance and factual reporting, Onyeamakara noted that the industry stands to benefit more from constructive reportage than from negative narratives. He stressed that, with Nigeria preparing for the Category C election at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the role of the media in shaping international perception has become even more critical.
According to him, “Maritime is a global industry, and whatever journalists write has a significant impact on how the international community views our country. In other climes, journalists highlight the positive strides of their maritime sector, even while managing challenges similar to ours.”
He commended MARAN as the foremost maritime reporters’ body in the sector, describing the association’s longstanding reputation as a valuable asset to the industry. He also expressed NPA’s support for closer cooperation among all media associations covering the maritime beat, noting that unity and professionalism among journalists would further strengthen industry growth.
Onyeamakara reaffirmed NPA’s commitment to supporting MARAN, and encouraged the Caretaker Committee to ensure a credible and transparent process that will produce leaders capable of sustaining the association’s legacy. “The kind of leaders you elect could shape the future of the association. It is important that the next leadership builds on the strong foundation already laid,” he said.
Responding, the MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, appreciated the NPA spokesperson for the warm reception and assured that the association remains committed to supporting NPA’s efforts toward repositioning the maritime industry.
Ayodele stated that the recent reorganization within MARAN was aimed at strengthening the association and enhancing its capacity to contribute meaningfully to industry development. He added that MARAN would continue to uphold the principles of developmental journalism and deepen collaborations with stakeholders, including government agencies, to advance the sector.
The committee chairman also used the occasion to formally invite the NPA management to the forthcoming MARAN Book Launch scheduled for December 4, 2025, in Lagos—a gesture to which Onyeamakara responded positively, assuring that the Authority would be duly represented.
