The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commended Nigerian journalists, particularly the maritime media, for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s recent success at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) elections, urging them to sustain the momentum that delivered the historic feat.
Nigeria recently secured a seat in Category C of the IMO Council—an achievement that came after 14 years of unsuccessful attempts—marking a major milestone for the nation’s maritime diplomacy.
Receiving the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), led by its Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at NIMASA headquarters, the agency’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Edward Osagie, said the maritime media played a complementary role to the efforts of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and NIMASA in projecting Nigeria’s maritime capacity to the global community.
Osagie emphasized the importance of developmental and responsible journalism in nation-building, noting that media reports significantly shape how Nigeria is perceived internationally.
“The international community takes note of every report written about Nigeria, and these reports form part of how the country is assessed,” he said. “This makes it imperative for journalists to allow patriotism and commitment to national development guide their reportage.”
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as attempts by a few journalists to push misleading narratives surrounding the recent detention of a vessel, MT Skipper, by the United States Coast Guard over alleged crude oil theft and other transnational crimes.
Osagie clarified that the vessel was neither flying the Nigerian flag nor registered with NIMASA, adding that its purported owners, Thomarose Global Ventures Limited, are not registered with the agency as a shipping company.
“What identifies a vessel is the flag it flies,” he stated. “Since this vessel did not fly the Nigerian flag, attributing its ownership to Nigeria was either borne out of ignorance or mischief.”
He praised MARAN for what he described as consistent responsible journalism, acknowledging the association’s support for NIMASA despite unmet expectations in some areas.
“MARAN is a brand we are proud of in the industry,” Osagie said. “Despite perceived shortcomings, its members have remained fair and professional in their reportage of NIMASA’s activities.”
Osagie pledged the agency’s continued support for MARAN and its caretaker committee, assuring that NIMASA would assist the association in areas within its capacity to ensure smooth administration and welfare of members.
He also expressed appreciation to the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his encouragement and support, which he said has made his role as head of the Public Relations unit easier.
“There is hardly any request concerning journalists’ welfare that the DG ignores,” Osagie noted. “His disposition reflects a clear passion for the capacity development and welfare of maritime journalists.”
Earlier, Mr. Ayodele said the visit was aimed at consolidating the long-standing relationship between MARAN and NIMASA. He assured the agency of MARAN’s commitment to responsible journalism that would support NIMASA’s mandate and enhance Nigeria’s credibility in the international maritime community.
He, however, urged NIMASA to reciprocate this commitment through concrete actions that would strengthen professional integrity and improve the welfare of maritime journalists.
The meeting ended with both parties engaging in frank discussions on deepening collaboration, reinforcing shared values, and strengthening the partnership between NIMASA and the maritime media.
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