Story by Dili Utomi
The conference room of the Rockview hotel, Apapa, Tuesday hosted the inauguration of the new executive committee members of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) as well as the seminar titled “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development”.
The President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGGAF), Chief Tochukwu Ezisi in his presentation at the seminar noted that the topic of the day “underscores the indispensable role of responsible journalism in shaping the trajectory of our maritime sector, which remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic aspirations”.
He added that ethical journalism is a stabilising force in any developing sector. In the maritime domain, Chief Ezisi says that “it ensures transparency in port operations, accountability among regulatory and operational institutions, balanced reporting that strengthens investor confidence, constructive scrutiny that promotes reforms and public trust in maritime governance”.
His words “In essence, ethical journalism is not merely a professional obligation; it is a national imperative. It is a vital instrument for maritime growth, policy refinement, and institutional credibility”.
The NAGGAF helmsman urges the new MARAN executive to promote professional standards, investigative depth, stakeholder engagement, digital transformation and capacity building in order to elevate the competence and global relevance of maritime journalists.
The Commissioner of Police (Ports) while making his presentation opined that “As maritime reporters, you serve as the bridge between industry stakeholders and the public. Through accurate, balanced, and objective reporting, you help shape public understanding of maritime issues, promote transparency, and foster accountability among institutions operating within the sector”.
He advises that as partners in progress, the media and the maritime police should continue to work together to promote security, economic development, industrial harmony, and national prosperity.
In his presentation the new MARAN president, Oluyinka Onigbinde posited that “Journalism is more than reporting events — it is the backbone of accountability, public trust, and informed citizenship. In Nigeria and across Africa, where democracy is still maturing and misinformation spreads fast, ethical journalism directly impacts national development. “Upholding Ethical Journalism for National Development” means journalists must prioritise truth, fairness, and public interest over sensationalism, bias, or profit”.
He noted that generally, unethical reporting damages development fast and that it is even more true in the maritime sector. Mr. Onigbinde added that false reports on port congestion, piracy, or policy changes scare off shipping lines and investors. Accurate, verified reporting builds investor confidence in NIMASA, NPA, and Lekki Deep Sea Port.
He admitted that such challenges as technical jargons, lack of access and commercial pressure do militate against ethical reporting, but also added that journalists can always toe the ethical path through data plus context, human angle stories, accountability and patriotic frame noting that “When the Sea Works, Nigeria Works”.
Mr. Onigbinde concluded that “Upholding ethical journalism is not an idealistic slogan. It is a practical requirement for accountability, peace, and prosperity”.
Several participants advocated training and retraining for journalists in order to continue the upholding of ethical standards. They also cautioned that journalists do not succumb to mere economic needs by engaging in unwholesome practices while relegating the journalistic ethos to the background.
The new executive committee members were later inaugurated and they include:
Oluyinka Onigbinde as President, Sylvanus Obasi as vice President, Fabian Anawo as general secretary, Amina Ojelabi as the assistant secretary,Providence Ayanfeoluwa as the public relations officer, Ruth Sunday as treasurer, and Ambrose Okehi as the financial secretary.
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