The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has called for a strengthened strategic partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to support ongoing port modernisation and enhance capacity building within the maritime sector.
The newly elected MARAN executives, led by President Oluyinka Onigbinde, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, at the authority’s headquarters in Lagos.
The visit underscored the association’s commitment to fostering collaboration aimed at boosting Nigeria’s maritime industry, particularly as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to modernise port infrastructure.
Speaking during the meeting, Onyemekara described the emergence of the new MARAN leadership as a positive development for maritime journalism, commending the association for a peaceful and credible electoral transition.
He noted that the successful leadership change reflected institutional maturity, adding that many organisations often struggle with such processes.
“What they have done deserves commendation. Some organisations would have fallen apart without the stability demonstrated during this transition,” he said.
Onyemekara reaffirmed NPA’s longstanding relationship with MARAN, describing the association as a critical stakeholder in the maritime sector and assuring continued support for its initiatives.
He stressed that Nigeria’s maritime industry was entering a crucial phase, driven by the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme, which aims to reposition the nation’s ports for global competitiveness.
According to him, the initiative would enhance cargo handling capacity, accommodate larger vessels, and create opportunities for regional transshipment, thereby boosting trade efficiency.
He cited operational growth at the Lekki Deep Sea Port as evidence of the urgent need to upgrade port infrastructure to meet global shipping demands.
“Most vessels being built today require deeper draft channels. Without proper positioning, Nigeria risks losing out on significant opportunities in global shipping,” Onyemekara said.
He further emphasised that Nigeria’s large population and expanding economy provide a strong foundation for becoming a leading maritime hub in Africa, provided port systems are efficient and modernised.
Onyemekara also called on maritime journalists to play a more active role in educating the public on the importance of the sector and ongoing reforms.
He highlighted the need for specialised training in areas such as port infrastructure, shipping economics, logistics, and trade facilitation to improve the quality of reportage.
“The knowledge of the port industry is still limited. Journalists have a key role to play in shaping public understanding, and we are ready to support initiatives that strengthen maritime journalism,” he added.
In response, Onigbinde expressed appreciation for the reception and reaffirmed MARAN’s commitment to constructive engagement with stakeholders in the maritime industry.
He stressed the importance of continuous professional development for journalists, especially as the sector evolves through infrastructure expansion and modernisation.
“Journalists must be adequately equipped to understand and effectively report on these developments. This will enhance public awareness and support for maritime reforms,” he said.
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Onigbinde added that improved capacity building would not only elevate media coverage but also contribute to informed discourse on maritime policies and investments.
The visit forms part of MARAN’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at strengthening partnerships and promoting collaborative efforts to advance Nigeria’s maritime sector.
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