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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎It has been canvassed that as the maritime industry grows in complexity, driven by digitalization, new trade realities, regulatory reforms and global logistic shifts, journalism practice within the space should toe the same line.
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‎Dr Pius Ukeyima Akutah, the  Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) stated this in a keynote address he delivered in Lagos, Thursday, during the 10th Anniversary Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists hosted by First Mediacon Network Ltd, publishers of Shipping Position Daily.
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‎Acknowledging that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has benefitted immensely from the sustained and professional coverage offered by the maritime press, more collaborative efforts is needed to enhance efficiency and competitiveness in the port environment. He was represented by the agency’s Director of Special Duties, Mr Moses Abere.
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‎”This decade-long journey affirms a simple truth: no maritime sector can advance without a strong, knowledgeable and committed media community.” Akutah added.
‎Strengthening maritime journalism for the future, he noted, requires technical accuracy, understanding of global practices and an appreciation of regulatory frameworks.
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‎The journalist should also be equipped to interrogate data, utilize digital tools and apply emerging technologies such as Al in research, storytelling and analysis.
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‎He added that in a sensitive sector such as maritime, misinformation can undermine policy, investor confidence and national economic stability.
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‎”At the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we remain committed to open communication and structured engagement with the media to enhance mutual understanding and sectoral development.”
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‎Akutah assured that the NSC would continue to partner with the press through knowledge-sharing, capacity-building collaborations and joint initiatives that support a more informed and capable maritime media landscape.
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‎”As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to promoting efficiency, transparency and competitiveness within the maritime sector.”
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‎”We consider the media as essential partners in informing stakeholders, shaping public understanding and strengthening accountability.”
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‎”We will continue to support credible and responsible maritime journalism and are open to meaningful engagements that enhance professionalism and knowledge within the press community.”
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Dr Akabogu (left) presenting a souvenir to Dr Maiwada, National PRO, Nigeria Customs Service.

‎As the press celebrates
‎a 10-year milestone, Akutah advised, there should be a commitment to build a stronger future, one defined by accurate information, robust collaboration and shared progress.
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‎Unveiling the Centre for Maritime Media & Capacity Development at the event, Mr Sesan Onileimo, CEO First Mediacon Network Ltd stressed the need to future-proof maritime reporting in Nigeria. The new Centre, he said, was created to respond to rapid changes reshaping journalism and the maritime sector.
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‎ “The maritime media space is evolving rapidly under the pressure of digitalisation, artificial intelligence and social media. This Centre is our bold response to ensure journalists remain knowledgeable, relevant and impactful, regardless of how long they have been on the beat,” Onileimo explained.
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‎The Centre, he added, would not only take over the organisation of the annual seminar but would also deliver continuous, year-round manpower development programmes for maritime journalists and content creators.
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‎“What we are doing is moving from an annual event to a permanent structure for capacity development. The Centre is also open to partnerships with industry stakeholders who share our vision of a stronger and more professional maritime media,” Onileimo added.
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‎Dignitaries at the event included Mr Babandede, ACG Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service accompanied by the National Public Relations Officer, Dr Aliyu Maiwada, notable maritime lawyer Dr Emeka Akabogu (SAN) and Dr Kayode Farinto, former Acting National President of ANLCA.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has acknowledged the invaluable support and contributions of Nigerian journalists, especially the maritime media, to the recent success of Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization(IMO) elections.
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‎It could be recalled that Nigeria won the elusive category C council election at the IMO after 14 years of failed attempts.
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‎Receiving the new leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) led by Mr Tunde Ayodele at the Headquarters of  NIMASA, Edward Osagie, the Deputy Director and Head of the Public Relations Department of the agency noted that maritime media  complemented the untiring efforts of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA to showcase the enormous maritime potentials of Nigeria and its capacity in maritime administration that eventually won the country the coveted global seat.
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‎The NIMASA Chief spokesman highlighted the importance of developmental journalism to nation’s building while admonishing the media, especially maritime media, to guard against reportorial styles that could de-market the country.
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‎”The international community is taking note of every single report we write as journalists about the country and it’s what they use to assess us as a nation.
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‎” That is why it is imperative for us as journalists to allow patriotism and commitment to nation building guide the way we write”
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‎He however frowned at attempt by few journalists to push wrong narrative over the recent incident of the arrest of a vessel, MT SKIPPER , detained by the United States Coast Guard (USCG)over alleged crude oil theft and other  transnational crimes.
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‎Osagie reiterated the fact that the detained vessel was neither flying Nigerian flag nor its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, registered with NIMASA as a shipping company.
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‎He said that what identifies a vessel is the flag it flies and since the detained vessel did not carry Nigeria’s flag, those who tried to ascribe its ownership to Nigeria did so either out of sheer mischief or ignorance.
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‎Osagie however lauded MARAN for its responsible journalism, acknowledging the support of its members to NIMASA despite the agency’s perceived shortcomings in their expectations.
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‎” Despite the fact that the agency may not have met all the expectations of members of MARAN, they haven’t written negative reports on our activities and operations” Osagie noted.
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‎” MARAN  brand is a brand I am proud of and we are also proud of in the
‎industry. MARAN has not done badly in its reportorial duties.
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‎”At NIMASA here, we will support anything you request and in any area we are able to support, we will support the administration for a smooth management of the association.
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‎”And by the grace of God, we will not let you down. God bless you.God bless MARAN” NIMASA Chief image maker declared.
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‎Ayodele has led his caretaker committee members to NIMASA to consolidate on the long-standing relationship between the agency and MARAN.
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‎Leading his PR team to receive the MARAN leadership, Osagie expressed happiness on the visit which he believed will further boost the cordial relationship between the two parties
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‎”I am glad that you’re here today. It’s a special day. I’m glad to have you in our midst today” Osagie enthused.
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‎The two parties engaged in frank discussions aimed at enhancing their operations and further boost their shared values and partnership.
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‎Ayodele informed his hosts that MARAN will continue to practise responsible journalism that will enhance the operations of NIMASA in particular and boost the credibility of the country to the outside world.
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‎He therefore asked NIMASA to reciprocate this gesture through actions that will enhance the professional integrity and impact the welfare of his members.
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‎Osagie  however pledged the support of the agency for the new caretaker committee and the MARAN as a whole, a situation he said is in alignment with the belief of NIMASA’s  management in the values which the agency shares with the association.
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‎By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
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‎Barely taking over the mantle of leadership in the Ogun 1 Customs Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) following the transfer of Comptroller Godwin Otunla to the Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, the ‘brand new’ Acting Customs Area Controller (CAC), Deputy Controller O. O. Afeni, within 11 days, confiscated smuggled items valued at over ₦2 billion. These include exotic cars worth over N28 million. It is recalled that D.C. Afeni mounted the saddle on December 4, 2025 when he was appointed a CAC on acting capacity.
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‎Addressing journalists at the Ogun 1 Area Command, Idiroko , Wednesday, the acting Area Controller declared a renewed crackdown on smuggling activities. He sounded a note of warning to smugglers saying that with him in charge, there will be no hiding place for perpetrators within the Command’s jurisdiction.
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‎Different illicit items the  Command intercepted include 16 parcels of heroin (16kg) valued at ₦240 million, 3,355 wraps of Cannabis Sativa worth ₦435.08 million, 2,200 kegs of foreign groundnut oil valued at ₦264 million, and 5,417 cartons of foreign spaghetti estimated at ₦162.51 million. The seizure, the Acting CAC observed underscores the command’s intensified efforts to curb the influx of illicit drugs and smuggled goods through Nigeria’s southwestern border corridors.
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‎Also confiscated were narcotics which were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Accepting the narcotics, the Idiroko Area Commander of NDLEA, Ekundayo Williams commended DC Afeni for what he described as spectacular seizures.
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