The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ikechukwu Onyeamakara, has called on maritime journalists to adopt responsible and developmental reporting that will enhance Nigeria’s global standing in the maritime sector.
Onyeamakara made the appeal on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, while hosting a three-man Caretaker Committee of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its chairman, Tunde Ayodele, at the NPA headquarters in Lagos.
He emphasized the need for journalists to uphold the core ethics of the profession, accuracy, balance and factual reporting, stressing that negative narratives do little to advance national interests. According to him, constructive journalism is even more critical as Nigeria intensifies efforts toward the forthcoming election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
“Maritime is a global industry, and whatever journalists write has a great impact on how the international community views our country,” Onyeamakara said. “In other climes, journalists project the positive side of their maritime industry despite having similar challenges. We must adopt the same mindset.”
He noted that positive and developmental reporting could attract global goodwill and strengthen Nigeria’s chances in international maritime engagements.
Onyeamakara also praised MARAN as the pioneer and most enduring journalism association within the maritime sector, describing it as an organization with a pedigree that has stood the test of time. He welcomed MARAN’s current efforts toward repositioning the association and emphasised the importance of electing credible leaders who would protect its legacy.
“The kind of leaders you elect could make or mar the good legacies of the association. You must be careful and meticulous in your choice,” he advised the caretaker committee.
He reaffirmed NPA’s support for MARAN and expressed optimism about fostering stronger collaboration as the Maritime and Blue Economy Ministry continues its reform agenda.
Responding, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tunde Ayodele, thanked Onyeamakara for the warm reception and pledged the association’s commitment to constructive, development-oriented journalism. He noted that MARAN remains open to partnerships with industry stakeholders to support the building of a stronger, more vibrant maritime sector.
Onyemamakara was also briefed on the association’s internal restructuring process, assuring that MARAN is being repositioned for greater professionalism and stakeholder engagement.
Invitation was extended to the agency to attend MARAN’s upcoming book launch scheduled for December 4, 2025 in Lagos, a gesture to which Onyeamakara agreed, promising adequate representation from the Authority’s management.