Joyce Mmereole Okoli
A new initiative aimed at strengthening capacity building, professionalism, and specialized knowledge within maritime journalism will be officially launched on December 17, 2025, at BWC Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Maritime Media and Capacity Development Centre (MMCDC) seeks to address the increasing complexity of the maritime sector by promoting informed, data-driven reporting and fostering enhanced engagement among maritime stakeholders.
The Centre, which is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming maritime communication, will be led by a distinguished Advisory Board, chaired by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi. Other notable members of the Advisory Board include:
• Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council
• Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, Vice President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Global
• Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN)
• Captain Waredi Enisuoh, Director of Operations at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited
The Centre’s launch follows years of engagement with maritime journalists through annual training seminars. Designed as a more structured and continuous platform, the MMCDC will focus on capacity development, research, policy engagement, and professional collaboration within the maritime industry.
Key stakeholders from government agencies, maritime operators, labour unions, security organizations, and the media will converge at the event to discuss the future of maritime communication, sectoral growth, and capacity building.
The launch promises to be a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to elevate professionalism and technical expertise within the maritime sector.
The Maritime Media and Capacity Development Centre aims to play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of maritime journalism and fostering greater understanding and collaboration among key players in the maritime ecosystem.