STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR TRUTH IN PORT REPORTING AT MARAN LEADERSHIP INAUGURATION HELD IN LAGOS

STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR TRUTH IN PORT REPORTING AT MARAN LEADERSHIP INAUGURATION HELD IN LAGOS

By Babatunde Aremu

Maritime stakeholders in Nigeria have charged the newly inaugurated executive council of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, to uphold ethical journalism as a tool for transparency, accountability, and sustainable growth in the blue economy.

The call was made on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Lagos during the swearing-in of the new MARAN leadership led by President, Mr. Oluyinde Onigbinde. The event, themed “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Growth”, drew industry leaders, government officials, security agencies, freight forwarders, and media practitioners.

Delivering the keynote, Chief Executive Officer of Indigo Integrated, Mr. Bolaji Abidoye, described journalism as the backbone of public trust and accountability. He warned that unethical reporting can damage investor confidence, distort perceptions, and hinder policy implementation.

Abidoye noted that maritime development covers shipping, ports, fisheries, offshore energy, and coastal trade. He said inaccurate reports on issues like port congestion, piracy, and regulations can scare investors and operators, while sensational security reporting can trigger unnecessary panic.

He urged MARAN members to prioritize truth, fairness, balance, and human-centered reporting, while embracing data-driven and investigative journalism to deepen understanding of complex maritime issues.

Abidoye also highlighted challenges facing ethical journalism in Nigeria: economic pressure, political interference, safety risks, and the spread of misinformation on digital platforms.

Chairman of the occasion and President of Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria, MASPAN, Mr. Emmanuel Dapo, stressed that ethical and investigative journalism are critical to good governance in the maritime sector. He said journalists must commit to factual reporting and continuous training to maintain public trust and influence reforms.

In his inaugural address, MARAN President Oluyinde Onigbinde pledged to build a stronger, united, and professionally vibrant association. He described MARAN as one of Nigeria’s oldest maritime media bodies that has served as a bridge between stakeholders and the public through decades of industry changes.

“Ethical journalism is fundamental to maritime development because growth depends on credible information, transparency, and accountability,” Onigbinde stated.

“Our duty goes beyond reporting events. We must inform, educate, investigate, analyze, and hold institutions accountable. We must resist sensationalism, reject misinformation, and ensure every report is guided by truth, fairness, balance, and professionalism,” he added.

Onigbinde outlined his priorities: capacity building, promotion of investigative and data journalism, adoption of digital tools, improved member welfare, and stronger stakeholder engagement while defending editorial independence. He declared, “The elections are behind us. There are no more camps. There are no factions. There is only one MARAN.”

Representing NAGAFF National President, Chief Tochukwu Emmanuel Dapo, General Secretary Mr. Godfrey Anosike called ethical journalism a “stabilizing force” that promotes transparency in port operations, boosts accountability, and increases investor confidence. He pledged NAGAFF’s partnership with MARAN on training, research, information sharing, and advocacy.

Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Western Command, CP Liza Abiose, represented by PRO, ASP Isaac Adeposu, commended MARAN’s professionalism in reporting security matters. He said the association’s work has aided crime prevention and strengthened public confidence in security agencies.

Abiose assured stakeholders of the command’s commitment to a safe, secure, and business-friendly port through intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration. She urged the new MARAN exco to sustain high ethical standards throughout their tenure.

The event ended with stakeholders reaffirming support for ethical journalism as vital to maritime development, institutional accountability, economic growth, and Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions.