The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, has urged maritime journalists to uphold ethical standards, factual reporting and professionalism, describing responsible journalism as essential to the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Dr. Akutah gave the charge when the newly inaugurated executives of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its President, Mr. Yinka Onigbinde, paid a courtesy visit to the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.
Welcoming the delegation, he commended MARAN for its consistent role in providing credible and balanced coverage of developments in the maritime industry, noting that the media remains a vital partner in promoting transparency, accountability and public awareness of government policies and reforms.
According to him, journalists do more than report events—they educate the public, shape informed conversations and serve as watchdogs that strengthen institutions and encourage best practices across the industry.
Dr. Akutah stressed the need for media practitioners to remain committed to truth, fairness and accuracy while avoiding misinformation and protecting the confidentiality of reliable sources.
He said ethical journalism is critical to building stakeholders’ confidence and supporting ongoing reforms aimed at improving the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports and the maritime sector.
The NSC boss also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing the move as a strategic policy that has created a clearer direction for the sector, attracted investor confidence and positioned the maritime industry as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic growth.
He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working closely with the media to promote awareness of reforms designed to improve port efficiency, enhance the ease of doing business and maximise the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
“Our partnership with the media has remained invaluable to the development of the maritime industry. We look forward to strengthening this collaboration for the benefit of the sector and the nation,” he said.
Earlier, MARAN President, Mr. Yinka Onigbinde, commended Dr. Akutah for his leadership and commitment to reforms in the maritime sector.
He pledged the association’s continued support for responsible, balanced and development-focused journalism, while expressing MARAN’s readiness to partner with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in advancing policies and initiatives that will further strengthen Nigeria’s maritime industry.
