NPA Reaffirms Commitment To Maritime Sector, Seeks Stronger Ties With Journalists
NPA Reaffirms Commitment To Maritime Sector, Seeks Stronger Ties With Journalists
…….NPA, SIFAX ,NCS others praised for
effective performance
By Okezie Nnadi
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has restated its commitment to deepening collaboration with maritime journalists as part of efforts to strengthen transparency and public understanding of the maritime sector.
Speaking at the 2025 Press Week of the Powerful Pen Media Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the Secretariat of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN) in Apapa, Lagos, the Principal Manager, Corporate Affairs of the Lagos Port Complex, Mrs. Hadiza Usman, emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping public narratives about the maritime industry.
Mrs. Usman, who represented the Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, Mr. Adebowale Ibrahim Lawal Akano, commended maritime journalists for their resilience, consistency, and objective reporting, describing their work as a vital contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s economy.
“Your unrelenting struggles and objective reporting are acknowledged. We appreciate your contribution to shaping the narrative of the maritime industry and fostering public understanding. Professionalism is key, and I encourage you to keep up with investigative journalism and objective reporting,” she said.
Reflecting on her own encounters with journalists, Usman noted that she feels “at home” whenever she engages with maritime reporters, describing the relationship between the NPA and the press as mutually beneficial.
She further praised the media for amplifying the Authority’s efforts in clearing the notorious Apapa traffic gridlock, attributing much of the success in public acceptance of the reform to journalists’ coverage.
“Without your resilience and consistency, I don’t know what would have happened. You did a great job. Well done,” she added.
Mrs. Usman urged the press to remain steadfast in professionalism and objectivity, stressing that the public relies on journalists as “the eyes of society” to provide accurate and balanced information.
On behalf of the Lagos Port Manager, she conveyed goodwill messages to the association and assured stakeholders that the NPA would continue to fulfill its statutory responsibilities with dedication.
“We will not relent. We will continue to do what we can do. It is our statutory function, and we pledge to do it wholeheartedly—with your support,” she concluded.
Speaking during the health walk organized as part of the activities marking the 2025 Press Week of the Powerful Pen Media Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Media Officer of SIFAX Group, Mr. Olatunde Adewola, who represented the Group Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Muyiwa Akande, praised the role of journalists in promoting growth within the maritime sector.
“Through your reporting and narrations, you bridge the gap between maritime stakeholders and the general public. The publicity you give to happenings and events around the maritime space ensures that the public is well informed, and we do not take this for granted. We commend your efforts and pray that your profession continues to soar higher,” Adewola said.
He assured the chapel of SIFAX Group’s continuous support and promised to deliver their messages of partnership to his principal.
Responding, the Chairperson of the Powerful Pen Chapel, Udeme Clements, lauded SIFAX Group for its consistent support to journalists and contributions to the maritime industry despite prevailing economic challenges.
“We implore you to do more and take us as partners in progress. Our work as journalists entails factual reportage, advocacy, and promoting government policies for the growth of the maritime sector. What we are doing today signifies developmental journalism, which encourages economic growth and national development,” Clements stated.
She noted that the Press Week activities of the chapel are designed to celebrate excellence in journalism while fostering stronger relationships with critical stakeholders in the maritime and blue economy security
The President of the Maritime Journalists’ Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Mr. Jerry Aguigbo, in his presentation at the event emphasized the critical role of responsible journalism in strengthening national security and advancing nation-building.
Aguigbo made this assertion while delivering a paper titled “The Role of Journalism in Nation-Building and National Security” at the 2025 Press Week of the Powerful Pen Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
According to him, journalism, though sometimes seen as harmless, remains central to ensuring national cohesion and safeguarding sensitive information from being exposed in ways that could endanger a country’s security.
Speaking on the theme, Aguigbo highlighted that responsible journalism contributes to national security in three key ways: informing the public with accurate and timely reports on security threats, holding authorities accountable through investigative reporting, and countering misinformation and propaganda that could fuel crises.
On nation-building, the MAJAN president noted that the media plays a vital role in promoting unity by showcasing shared values, encouraging informed public discourse, and supporting national development by spotlighting economic, social, and infrastructure initiatives.
However, Aguigbo warned that journalists must balance the need for transparency with the responsibility to protect sensitive security information. Quoting American poet Emily Dickinson, he explained that truth, when presented recklessly, could be damaging, but when “told slant” with care and context, it enlightens without causing harm.
He further cautioned against sensationalism in news reporting, urging media practitioners to prioritize fact-based stories over provocative content that may heighten tensions. He also stressed the importance of reflecting diverse perspectives to prevent bias and ensure inclusivity in public discourse.
Concluding his address, Aguigbo maintained that journalism, when practiced responsibly, empowers citizens with knowledge, fosters unity, strengthens democratic values, and ultimately contributes to the peace and stability of the nation.
Assessing the operations and activities of government agencies and stakeholders in the maritime industry,the powerful Pen media notes that the Nigerian ports Authority NPA,has done exceptionally well in terms of infrastructure development,trade facilitation and ease of doing business in the ports in Nigeria.The Managing Director,Dr Abubakar Dantsoho was highly praised for his pragmatic and his result driven leadership.The clearing of the port access road which before now was a nightmare to port users ,and which greatly hampered trade was also highlighted.
The chapel applauds the NPA on traffic management along Apapa port corridors,noting the advocacy role the chapel played through its reportage which ultimately culminated in the clearing of the port corridors and subsequent establishment of the E- Call up system.
In the same manner,the chapel noted that SIFAX Group stands out amongst other terminal operators by reason of diversification of their services and provision of state -of- -the -art equipment to run their terminal.As an indigenous company,the efforts of the organisation at improving port operations and trade facilitation is highly commendable,the chapel noted.
The Powerful Pen Media Chapel of NUJ,also thumbs up for the Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA for ensuring maritime security and safety particularly its impressive fight against piracy at the Gulf of Guinea amongst other laudable initiatives
The Nigeria Customs Service,Apapa command ,under the leadership of Comptroller Babatunde Olomu PhD,was applauded for exceptional revenue drive and achievements, including the unprecedented seizures of 25 40 ft containers of illegal and expired pharmaceuticals.
Exploring the indigenously produced technology called B’ Odogwu ,the command recently generated a whopping 161.2bn revenue within three weeks.
The TinCan Port Command headed by a very efficient and hard working leader,Comptroller Frank Onyeka,was rated as the most innovative and technology driven command, committee to trade facilitation and revenue generation,the command made history recently when it effectively ranked in 16.4bn in one single day,thus raising the revenue generation bar.
The chapel also looked into the activities of other commands.The chapel held that the PTML Command has equally done very well ,as it was the command where the B’ Odogwu was first tried as a pilot module for easy Cargo Clearance.
On its part, the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal under the Amazon, Comptroller Joy Edeldouk realised a revenue of 89bn between January and June 2025,even though the command is an off-dock Command that relies on other commands to feed it with containers as it has no direct access for berthing of vessels.
The chapel also praised the efforts and resilience of the Zone ‘A’ Command of the Federal Operations Unit (FoU), headed by Comptroller Mohammed Salisu Shuaibu.
The ant smuggling unit recently hit smugglers below the belt as it made a very remarkable seizure of 3.1 Bn within July 18th-Aug 12th 2025.
Ogun 1: Idi-Iroko , customs command was also hailed for its anti smuggling efforts.
The command headed by no nonsense officer,in the person of Comptroller GA Otunla,made Seizures of exotic cars including a Rolls-Royce among many other items worth over 1.4bn in 3 months
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council was not left out.As the economic regulator of the ports,the council has been performing its regulatory function effectively and contributing to the growth of the national economy .
The one-day event brought together maritime stakeholders, journalists, and industry professionals, reinforcing the role of media partnerships in promoting efficiency, accountability, and growth within Nigeria’s maritime space.
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