NPCC, MARAN Strengthen Partnership for Maritime Sector Growth

The leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) in Lagos, reaffirming the importance of collaboration between the maritime media and industry stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector.

The MARAN delegation, led by its newly elected President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, was received by the Chairman of NPCC, Bolaji Sunmola, alongside the Vice Chairperson, Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, and other members of the Council’s leadership, including Ifeyinwa Akerele, Emmanuel Iheanacho Ebubeogu, and Basil Opara.

Welcoming the visitors, Sunmola described the relationship between the maritime media and the port industry as strategic and mutually beneficial, emphasizing that the Council has always maintained a strong and cordial relationship with journalists covering the sector. According to him, the media remains an indispensable partner in promoting reforms, policy conversations, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He further noted that the NPCC inherited a robust media-friendly culture from previous administrations and expressed optimism that the renewed engagement with MARAN       would deepen institutional cooperation and strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at improving the nation’s port and logistics ecosystem.

Speaking on behalf of MARAN, Onigbinde appreciated the warm reception accorded the association and reiterated the commitment of the new executive to fostering constructive partnerships with critical maritime stakeholders. He acknowledged the important role being played by NPCC in promoting dialogue, harmony, and efficiency across the port industry, while stressing that MARAN would continue to uphold responsible and developmental journalism in support of maritime sector reforms and national economic growth.

The MARAN President also highlighted the longstanding contributions of maritime journalists to policy advocacy and industry reforms, noting that the association has consistently used investigative reporting, analysis, and stakeholder engagement to shape conversations within the sector. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the media and maritime institutions, especially at a time when Nigeria is pursuing major reforms and modernization initiatives within its ports and logistics value chain.

In her remarks, Anishere congratulated the newly elected MARAN executives and commended the association for its contributions to the maritime industry since its establishment in 1988. She called for constructive and balanced journalism, encouraging media practitioners to promote professionalism, fact-checking, and responsible reportage capable of strengthening confidence in the maritime sector.

A major highlight of the visit was the decoration of the MARAN Executives with the official NPCC lapel pin by Anishere, symbolizing goodwill, partnership, and shared commitment towards the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime industry.