Maritime Agencies
Capt Iheanacho Underscores the Critical Role of Media As MARAN Celebrates Past Leaders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Even as responsible reportage induces sectoral reforms and investment, inaccurate reporting can undermine progress and erode confidence.
Capt Emmanuel Iheanacho, Master Mariner and former Minister of Interior stated this, Friday, while speaking as guest at a reception the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) hosted in Lagos to honour her past presidents.
Iheanacho, who spoke through Dr. Emeka Akabogwu (SAN), delivered this message at a reception organised by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in honour of its past presidents in Lagos.
Drawing from nearly five decades of experience across private enterprise and public service, the former minister who was represented by Barr Emeka Akabogu (SAN) identified agenda-setting, accountability, public education, and stakeholder mobilisation as the four key functions through which the media can influence maritime development.
The media, he explained, possesses a unique power to shape national priorities by consistently highlighting industry challenges such as port congestion, high transaction costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy inconsistencies.
“Many genuine industry problems do not move into policy consciousness until the media shines a consistent light on them. Sustained and informed reporting is necessary to ensure reforms are not only initiated but also followed through to completion.”
On accountability, Iheanacho acknowledged the watchdog role played by maritime journalists in exposing inefficiencies, corruption risks, and administrative bottlenecks across the sector. However, he cautioned against reporting based on incomplete facts or insufficient technical understanding.
“A misleading report may damage confidence, unsettle investors, and distort policy debates. Accountability journalism must therefore be rigorous, fair, and evidence-based,” he cautioned.
He further stressed the importance of public education, noting that the maritime industry remains highly technical and often poorly understood by the general public despite its direct impact on trade, pricing, and employment.
He called for more data-driven reporting, simplified explanation of policies and increased coverage of inland waterways and coastal economies, warning that Nigeria cannot build a strong blue economy with a poorly informed public.
On stakeholder mobilisation, Iheanacho said the media plays a vital role in bridging the gap between government, regulators, and private operators, helping to build consensus and sustain momentum around reforms.
“The media provides the platform where alignment begins. But beyond reporting events, journalists must track commitments and ensure that promises translate into measurable outcomes,” he added.
Addressing MARAN members directly, he described maritime journalism as a “strategic national assignment,” urging practitioners to deepen their technical knowledge, interrogate data, and maintain credibility in their reportage.
“Your words can attract confidence—or discourage it. Your analysis can clarify choices—or deepen confusion,” he said
Adding historical context to the association’s evolution, MARAN’s pioneer president, Alban Opara, in a brief historical reflection, recalled that the association was founded in 1988 at the height of port congestion and economic reforms under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) of the Babangida administration.
He noted that early maritime reporters operated without accreditation, often gaining access to ports under difficult conditions, but remained committed to investigative and developmental journalism.
He added that MARAN was established not only to protect the interests of maritime journalists but also to position the media as a critical partner in national economic and maritime development.
In his goodwill message, former Comptroller of Customs and District Head of Ketare, Katsina State, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara, traced his long-standing relationship with MARAN which began in 1989 during his tenure as Public Relations Officer at the Apapa Customs Command.
Kankara, who was represented at the event, commended the association for its professionalism and support over the years, recalling how MARAN’s coverage contributed to his recognition as Best PRO of the Nigeria Customs Service in 1999 and helped the Tin Can Island Command earn accolades for public engagement.
In his speech, Capt Sunday Umoren, Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control in West and Central Africa, lauded MARAN for contributing to maritime advocacy and transparency. Capt Umoren who was represented by Engr Richard Owolabi described the association as a vital partner in promoting safe and sustainable shipping in West and Central Africa.
Among past MARAN presidents recognised was Dr.Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy who was described as a “destiny supporter” and a key ally in advancing regional maritime objectives.
The Abuja MoU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with MARAN to enhance accurate reporting and support the growth of a safe and environment ally free ports.
Recalling the association’s formation in 1988, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman Tunde Ayodele said many of the pioneers were young professionals in their early 30s at the time, who came together to establish a dedicated maritime reporting beat in Nigeria.
“Today, many of them are in their 60s and 70s, and we gather not just to celebrate their years, but to honour their enduring legacy, sacrifice, and vision,” he said.
Ayodele noted that MARAN’s past presidents had distinguished themselves not only in journalism but also in public service, advisory roles, and national development, citing figures such as Alban Opara, Elder Asu Beks, Sesan Onileimo, Elder Pius Mordi, and Dr. Bolaji Akinola as examples of enduring leadership.
“When my team assumed office as caretakers, one of our key priorities was to reconnect with our roots by honouring these great men,” he said, adding that their wisdom and guidance remain essential to the association’s future.
He appealed to the past leaders to continue to see MARAN as their home, stressing that their continued involvement would strengthen the association and sustain its relevance in the maritime sector.
Maritime Agencies
Dredgers’ Body Disowns Report Alleging Extortion Against Lagos Commissioner Alebiosu, Cardoso.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria (DAN) has distanced itself from a report entitled ‘Dredgers Association Appeals to Sanwo-Olu Over Alleged Extortion, Urges Governor to Call Alebiosu, Cardozo to Order’, published on October 23, 2026 by some online blogs.
In a disclaimer jointly signed by Batare Akpomejero and Richard Ntan, National President and Secretary respectively, the Association categorically stated that the publication is fake and could not have originated from its National Leadership or any authorised organ of the dredgers’ body.
DAN clarified that it neither authorised, approved nor issued any petition or press release accusing Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Lagos State, and Mr. Cardozo of harassment, intimidation or extortion of dredgers and tipper operators.
The Association further stated that it had no record of the alleged impounding of trucks and demand for ₦500,000 as reported in the publication, adding that it completely dissociated itself from the claims.
Reaffirming its relationship with the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, DAN described its engagement with the government and the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development as cordial and collaborative.
On matters relating to dredging regulations and the interpretation of Supreme Court judgments concerning shoreline authority, the Association explained that discussions were being pursued through appropriate institutional channels and dialogue with relevant federal and state authorities, rather than through media confrontations.
Consequently, DAN has disclaimed the report in its entirety, urging the public, the Lagos State Government, Hon. Alebiosu and other stakeholders to disregard the publication as a statement issued on behalf of the Association.
DAN also expressed regret over any embarrassment, inconvenience or reputational damage the publication may have caused the Lagos State Government, the Honourable Commissioner and other officials mentioned.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, sustainable and collaborative dredging operations across Nigeria, while maintaining constructive engagement with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is committed to translate maritime policies into practical results as part of efforts to ensure safer waterways, reliable infrastructure and sustainable economic growth.
NIWA Acting Managing Director, Alhaji Yusuf Girei made the commitment while congratulating stakeholders in his goodwill message during the 2026 World Maritime Day celebration.
This year’s celebration whose theme was“From policy to practice: Powering excellence,” has in attendance was graced the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, FSM, MCIPM; Chairperson and Keynote Speaker, Mrs. Mfon Usoro; Directors and Heads of Departments, CEOs of Parastatals under the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, industry stakeholders and the media.

“This year’s theme,” Alhaji Girei said, “reminds us that strong policies create value only when they are translated into meaningful action. In the maritime sector, that means safer waterways, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship and services that support trade and economic growth.”

He noted that NIWA remains committed to working with State Governments, industry stakeholders, host communities and development partners to improve navigation, strengthen safety standards, modernise facilities and protect the waterways on which many livelihoods depend.
Speaking about excellence in the maritime sector, he described it as a shared responsibility that requires skilled professionals, effective regulation, investment in innovation and a culture that places safety and sustainability at the heart of operations.

“By working together, we can build a maritime sector that is competitive, inclusive and prepared for the future,” he added.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Permanent Secretary and all stakeholders whose commitment keeps the maritime industry moving, and urged participants to turn shared ambition into practical results.
The celebration peaked when Alhaji Girei joined in the award presentation for the Primary School Children’s Essay Competition category sponsored by NIWA. The first position went to Idris Jibril Oladimeji of Holy Cross Primary School, Lagos, who won N200,000 cash and a laptop computer. The second position went to Suleiman Aisha of St. Paul’s Anglican School, Lagos Island, who received N150,000 and a laptop computer, while the third position went to Yahaya Aliyah of St. Mathias Girls Primary School, Lagos, who received N100,000 cash and a laptop computer.
On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NIWA, he wished all stakeholders a successful World Maritime Day celebration.
Maritime Agencies
NAGAFF President, Chief Ezisi, Visits PTML Customs, Urges Deepened Customs-Freight Forwarders Partnership.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has given kudos to the Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller N. I. Miko, for the support extended to freight forwarders at PTML, enjoining him to sustain the tempo and assist the NAGAFF chapter to deepen the relationship for mutual benefits.
Chief Ezisi made the commendation, Thursday, when he led the association’s high command on a familiarization visit to the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the PTML Command.
Ezisi who used the opportunity to welcome the CAC to the Customs Command also introduced the newly-elected executive of the NAGAFF PTML Chapter democratically elected to manage its affairs for the next four years.
Describing NAGAFF as a law-abiding organisation which has maintained a longstanding relationship with the Customs Service, Chief Ezisi stressed the importance of collaboration, compliance and professionalism in facilitating legitimate trade.
He urged Miko to maintain open communication with the chapter’s leadership and whenever disagreements or operational challenges arose, the national leadership would intervene where necessary to resolve issues.
As in other large organisations, Ezisi acknowledged, members with different dispositions and approaches to matters populate NAGAFF and managing them and their differences remains the hallmark of effective leadership at all times.
He also told the CAC that as a body, NAGAFF has in place an active special intervention outfit, a compliance team with guiding slogan, “If you see something, say something.” This body monitors the activities of her members and other freight forwarders who willingly subvert compliance standards in the line of duties.
NAGAFF, he explained, is a non-profit association of freight forwarders whose headquarters relies on the contributions and activities of its chapters to fulfill its responsibilities to the industry.
In his response, the Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, Comptroller Nura Ibrahim Miko, assured NAGAFF members of the Command’s continued cooperation. He described the relationship between Customs officers and freight forwarders at the terminal as very cordial and will always be, going forward.
Miko recalled NAGAFF’s organizational structure, describing it as impressive, particularly the commitment to training and capacity development of members through the NAGAFF Academy .
The PTML Command would continue to support freight forwarders, the CAC pledged as Customs officers and industry operators would continue to deepen the existing harmony and cooperation in the workplace.
He assured that the Command would continue engaging terminal operators on the need to improve the working environment for both Customs officers and freight forwarders.
Miko encouraged freight forwarders to report any shortcomings in the conduct of Customs officers, assuring them that the command would take feedback seriously and work towards improvement.
He also urged stakeholders to acknowledge good performance, emphasising that constructive engagement, mutual respect and collaboration were essential to effective operations.
He reaffirmed his management’s readiness to sustain the healthy relationship with the association and other stakeholders.
Giving a vote of thanks, NAGAFF’s Vice President (Headquarters), Simeon Nwonu, expressed pleasure of the assurance of a continued cordial relationship and accessibility stakeholders associate CAC Miko with right from the Apapa Command.
He thanked Comptroller Miko for the warm reception, expressing confidence that NAGAFF members operating at PTML would benefit from continued engagement.
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