Western Naval Command, MARCON partner on responsible maritime journalism
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, has called for a robust partnership with the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) to promote maritime security, drive development and advance Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations through responsible journalism.
Mustapha made the call when he received the executive members of MARCON, led by its President, Mr Ismail Aniemu, on a courtesy visit to the command on Thursday.
Mustapha stressed the importance of responsible journalism in the maritime sector, which he said accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, with oil and gas, maritime trade, commerce and customs serving as major sources of government revenue.
He said accurate reporting was critical to national development, as journalists play a key role in holding government agencies and other stakeholders accountable, exposing irregularities and highlighting challenges confronting seafarers and maritime workers.
Mustapha commended MARCON for going beyond conventional reporting to organise conferences and seminars aimed at educating stakeholders and promoting the growth of the marine and blue economy.
He said effective journalism could also check excesses in the maritime sector.
“Excesses of agencies are being checked by reporters. If you get the news and you say it, the people engaging in not-so-good things will check themselves because they know that you will hold them again,” he said.
The FOC also disclosed that the Navy had been undertaking medical and educational outreaches in coastal communities to strengthen relations with residents and address some of their socioeconomic challenges.
He said responsible reporting of such initiatives could improve public understanding of the Navy’s role and contribute to national development.
Aniemu commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Western Naval Command, for its contribution to improved maritime security and the suppression of criminal activities in the country’s waters.
He said the command remained a critical security arm protecting the country’s maritime environment and infrastructure, noting that Nigeria’s maritime security rating had improved significantly in recent years, particularly in the western waters.
According to him, the Navy had played a significant role in the successes recorded under the Deep Blue Project and deserved recognition for progress in tackling piracy, stowaway activities and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the country’s waters.
The MARCON president said maritime reporters were stakeholders in Nigeria’s security and economic development and had a responsibility to sustain a robust relationship with the command.
He described journalism as both a profession and a civic responsibility, saying MARCON would continue to use its platforms to set the agenda for discussions on critical issues affecting the maritime industry.
Aniemu added that MARCON had a responsibility to project Nigeria positively through balanced reporting to both Nigerians and the international community, noting that the country’s waters remained central to the fishing industry.
