Stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime industry have underscored the importance of ethical journalism in driving transparency, accountability, security, and sustainable development within the sector, urging maritime journalists to remain steadfast in professionalism and responsible reporting.
The charge was given on Tuesday in Lagos during the inauguration of the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde.
The event brought together key industry stakeholders, government officials, security agencies, freight forwarders, and media practitioners under the theme, “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development.”
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Indigo Integrated, Mr. Bolaji Abimbola, described journalism as a critical pillar of accountability and public trust.
He cautioned against sensational and inaccurate reporting, noting that misleading stories on issues such as port congestion, piracy, and regulatory policies could damage investor confidence and create misconceptions about the industry.
According to him, maritime journalists have a responsibility to uphold the core values of truth, fairness, balance, and accuracy while embracing investigative and data-driven reporting.
“Journalism remains the backbone of accountability and public trust. Ethical reporting is essential for informed decision-making and sustainable growth within the maritime sector,” he said.
Also speaking, the President of the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and Chairman of the Occasion, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, emphasized the role of ethical and investigative journalism in promoting transparency and good governance.
He encouraged maritime reporters to prioritize factual reporting and invest in continuous professional development to meet the evolving demands of the profession.
In his inaugural address, MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, pledged to strengthen the association through unity, professionalism, and capacity development.
He outlined key priorities for his administration, including training and capacity building, promotion of investigative and data-driven journalism, adoption of digital reporting tools, improved welfare for members, and deeper stakeholder engagement while maintaining editorial independence.
“We are expected to inform, educate, investigate, analyse and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism and reject misinformation,” Onigbinde stated.
He also called on members to put the association’s collective interests above personal differences, adding, “The elections are behind us. There is only one MARAN.”
The event also witnessed strong expressions of support from industry stakeholders. Representing the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), the association’s General Secretary, Mr. Godfrey Nwosu, reaffirmed NAGAFF’s commitment to partnering with MARAN in areas of training, research, and advocacy aimed at advancing the maritime sector.
Similarly, the Western Zonal Coordinator of the Nigeria Police Force Maritime Command, CP Toyin Agbaminoja, represented by ASP Isaac Hundeyin, commended MARAN for its professionalism in reporting security-related issues and pledged continued collaboration to ensure a safe and business-friendly port environment.
The inauguration concluded with a renewed commitment by stakeholders to uphold ethical journalism as a catalyst for maritime development, institutional accountability, and the continued growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
For participants at the gathering, the message was clear: a vibrant maritime sector depends not only on effective policies and infrastructure but also on a responsible media committed to truth, accuracy, and public interest.
