The Nigerian Navy has called for a robust partnership with the Maritime Correspondents' Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) to promote maritime security, drive development and achieve Nigeria's blue economy aspirations through responsible reporting. Rear Admiral Abubakar Abdullahi Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, 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 in Lagos.
Mustapha stressed the importance of responsible journalism in the maritime sector, which accounts for over 90 per cent of Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings. He noted that activities in oil and gas, maritime trade, commerce and customs remain major sources of government revenue. The FOC argued that accurate and responsible reporting of activities in the maritime sector was critical to national development.
The FOC commended MARCON for organising conferences and seminars aimed at educating stakeholders and advancing the growth of the marine and blue economy sector. He added that effective journalism could serve as a check on excesses by government agencies and other actors in the maritime industry. Mustapha also disclosed that the Navy had been undertaking medical and educational outreaches in coastal communities as part of its efforts to build stronger relationships with residents.
President of MARCON, Ismail Aniemu, commended the Nigerian Navy, particularly the Western Naval Command, for its contribution to the improved maritime domain security and the suppression of criminal activities in the country's waters. He said the naval command remained a critical security arm protecting the country's maritime environment and infrastructure.
Aniemu noted that Nigeria's maritime security rating had improved significantly in recent years, particularly in the western waters, due to the Navy's efforts. He said the Navy had played a significant role in the successes recorded under the Deep Blue Project, and deserved recognition for the progress recorded 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 the country's security and economic development and have a responsibility to sustain a robust relationship with the command. He emphasised the need for continued collaboration between MARCON and the Navy to promote maritime security and drive development in the blue economy sector.
The partnership between the Navy and MARCON aims to promote responsible reporting and hold government agencies and other stakeholders accountable for their actions in the maritime sector. The collaboration is expected to contribute to national development and help achieve Nigeria's blue economy aspirations.
Key points
- The Nigerian Navy and MARCON are partnering to promote maritime security and drive development in the country's blue economy sector.
- The partnership aims to promote responsible reporting and hold government agencies and other stakeholders accountable for their actions in the maritime sector.
- The collaboration is expected to contribute to national development and help achieve Nigeria's blue economy aspirations.
