Nigeria’s Minister for Marine and Blue Economy has prioritized reforms aimed at transforming the country’s maritime sector into a substantial contributor to national economic growth. According to *Dr. Bolaji Akinola*, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, the ministry has introduced mechanisms to capitalize on resources within the marine and blue economy. Akinola delivered this update during the commissioning of the National Secretariat of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), held in Lagos.
Addressing attendees, Akinola emphasized the minister’s strategic focus and tireless efforts to revitalize the sector for the collective benefit of Nigerians. He underscored the ministry’s commitment to transparency, highlighting the role of media in disseminating accurate information about developments within the industry. This engagement, he noted, is essential to fostering stakeholder trust and aligning efforts to achieve sustainable maritime growth.
*Rebecca Adamu*, Assistant Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), lauded SCAN for its role in advancing the maritime industry through objective and impactful reporting. Similarly, *Edward Osagie*, Head of Public Relations at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), recognized the association’s contributions and reinforced the need for continued collaboration between media outlets and industry regulators. From the private sector, *Muyiwa Akande,* representing Sifax Group, acknowledged the media’s ongoing support, describing it as vital to both corporate operations and broader industry progress.
During the event, *Moses Ebosele*, President of SCAN, unveiled the new secretariat as a dedicated press hub for fostering dialogue between journalists and maritime stakeholders. Ebosele disclosed plans to initiate roundtable discussions with major industry participants to tackle pressing sector challenges. Additionally, he reaffirmed the association’s commitment to journalistic integrity and called on stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with media professionals to identify and implement solutions in support of industry reforms.
Why this matters
The Nigerian maritime sector holds untapped potential as a driver of economic growth, but realizing this requires policy reforms, consistent stakeholder engagement, and enhanced transparency. By prioritizing communication with regulators, operators, and the media, the Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy signals its intent to address systemic inefficiencies and attract investment into the sector.
SCAN's establishment of a dedicated press center positions the association as a critical platform for fostering constructive discussions on maritime challenges, from port operations to compliance with international standards. Stakeholders, including regulators and industry players, stand to benefit from sustained collaboration with media professionals, ensuring both public accountability and informed decision-making.
Strong partnerships between governmental bodies, the private sector, and media outlets could translate into strategic advancements in port infrastructure, cargo throughput optimization, and adherence to safety standards, ultimately elevating Nigeria's standing in global maritime trade.
The Ministry’s reform agenda, supported by heightened media involvement, is expected to catalyze improvements across operational sectors, signaling opportunity for private investment and regional competitiveness within Africa’s blue economy framework.
