By Joy Enamuna
Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has called on maritime journalists to remain courageous, objective, and unwavering in the pursuit of truth, stressing that sustainable reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector can only be achieved through responsible and fearless journalism.
Aniebonam made the call while receiving the newly elected Executive Council of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, during a courtesy visit to the NAGAFF headquarters in Lagos.
According to the veteran maritime stakeholder, the media occupies a strategic position in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance within the industry.
He noted that factual and constructive reporting compels policymakers and regulatory authorities to confront pressing challenges affecting the sector.
“The media has a responsibility to continue highlighting the realities within the sector. Constructive reporting draws attention to problems and encourages those in authority to take corrective action,” Aniebonam stated.
He maintained that meaningful development can only flourish in an environment where journalists uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, integrity, and public interest.
Reflecting on his decades of service and advocacy in the maritime industry, Aniebonam urged both journalists and industry practitioners to embrace humility, forgiveness, and mutual respect in their professional engagements.
He cautioned against inflammatory remarks and unnecessary conflicts, describing integrity and respect as enduring values that define lasting legacies.
The NAGAFF founder also emphasized the importance of mentoring younger professionals to bridge the widening generational gap within the maritime industry.
He said deliberate succession planning and knowledge transfer have become imperative as many experienced practitioners approach retirement.
Earlier, MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, expressed appreciation to NAGAFF for its unwavering support to the association over the years.
He described the visit as an opportunity to formally introduce the newly elected Executive Council and strengthen the longstanding relationship between both organisations.
Onigbinde explained that NAGAFF was deliberately chosen as the first point of call because of its strategic role in Nigeria’s maritime and freight forwarding industry, noting that both organisations have enjoyed a mutually beneficial partnership.
Also speaking, NAGAFF National President, Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, congratulated the new MARAN leadership and urged members to uphold professionalism, discipline, and unity.
He encouraged the executives to reconcile aggrieved members following the association’s elections while demonstrating patience, emotional maturity, and tolerance in handling criticism.
The MARAN leadership also paid a courtesy visit to the National Coordinator of NAGAFF, Alhaji Tanko Muhammad, who pledged his continued support for the association.
He urged maritime journalists to remain transparent, balanced, and ethical in reporting developments within the industry.
Meanwhile, MARAN is set to inaugurate its newly elected Executive Council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
The inauguration, themed “Upholding Ethical Journalism for Maritime Development,” is expected to attract heads of maritime agencies, industry leaders, and other key stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The association said the new executive will prioritise professionalism, strengthen ethical journalism, and promote responsible reporting as part of efforts to advance transparency, accountability, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
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