The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has commended Nigerian journalists, particularly those covering the maritime sector, for their critical role in supporting Nigeria’s recent success at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) elections.
The agency’s Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Edward Osagie, expressed the appreciation while receiving the leadership of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at NIMASA headquarters. He underscored the importance of developmental journalism in national growth, urging the media to remain patriotic and committed to nation-building in their reportage.
Osagie also used the occasion to clarify issues surrounding the recent arrest of a vessel, MT SKIPPER, by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). According to him, the vessel was neither flying the Nigerian flag nor owned by a company registered with NIMASA, dismissing any link between the agency and the incident.
He praised MARAN for its professionalism and responsible reporting, assuring the association of NIMASA’s continued support and cooperation.
The engagement, he noted, was aimed at strengthening the partnership between NIMASA and MARAN to enhance operational effectiveness and promote transparency within the maritime sector.
In response, MARAN’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to responsible and balanced journalism that highlights NIMASA’s activities and projects Nigeria positively on the global stage.
The association also expressed appreciation to NIMASA’s Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, for his leadership, support and encouragement of the agency’s public relations efforts.
Both parties expressed optimism that the long-standing relationship between NIMASA and MARAN would continue to foster collaboration, mutual trust and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry.