By Philip Nwosu
The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has taken a significant step toward deepening public engagement with Nigeria’s maritime sector by organising a specialised executive course for media practitioners on the Blue Economy.
The course held on July 30, at the IMION Auditorium in Apapa, Lagos, brought together journalists, naval officers, legal experts, and maritime professionals for a robust one-day training and networking event.
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Designed specifically to bridge the knowledge gap between the maritime industry and the media, the course was aimed to equip participants with the analytical tools and understanding required to communicate complex maritime issues in a way that is accessible, accurate, and impactful. It also sought to underscore the media’s role in shaping public perception, driving policy, and promoting the sustainable use of Nigeria’s vast ocean resources.
The training, which drew participants from both the Nigerian Navy and various print, broadcast, and online media outlets, was themed: “Strengthening Maritime Reporting for National Development through the Blue Economy.” It focused on practical ways journalists can integrate the concept of the Blue Economy into their reportage, and how media narratives can support Nigeria’s ambitions for maritime-led economic diversification.
In his keynote address, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (rtd), Director General of IMION, highlighted the strategic importance of the Blue Economy to Nigeria’s future, stressing that the role of the media in articulating this vision cannot be overstated. He noted that with over 850 kilometres of coastline and an expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Nigeria is uniquely positioned to benefit from ocean-based industries — from shipping and fisheries to marine biotechnology, tourism, and offshore renewable energy.
“The concept of the Blue Economy is no longer a futuristic idea — it is now a critical pathway for sustainable economic growth,” Udofia said. “But we cannot achieve this without the active involvement of the media. That is why this course was created: to help journalists understand their role in interpreting the maritime sector to the wider society and holding stakeholders accountable.”
Udofia urged participants to return to their newsrooms with a renewed sense of purpose and the tools to produce journalism that is investigative, explanatory, and rooted in facts. “You must go back to the drawing board and learn to tell maritime stories that are solution-oriented, that provoke thought and drive policy,” he said. “You must understand the regulatory landscape, the security dynamics, the economic potential — and report these with accuracy and balance.”
The training featured two lead presentations by seasoned professionals with deep knowledge of Nigeria’s maritime space.
Rear Admiral FD Akpan (rtd), a respected maritime security expert, took participants through the geopolitical and economic dimensions of the Blue Economy, highlighting the threats posed by piracy, illegal fishing, marine pollution, and weak regulatory enforcement. He emphasised the need for investigative journalism that exposes inefficiencies, encourages compliance with international maritime protocols, and supports the navy’s efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial waters.
“Journalists must dig deep into the activities within our waters — from port operations to ship registry, marine environment conservation, and smuggling of goods and people,” Akpan said. “These issues are often underreported or misunderstood. But they are at the heart of our national security and economic sovereignty.”
Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN, a leading maritime lawyer and arbitrator, addressed the legal and regulatory framework guiding Nigeria’s maritime sector. She explained how existing laws such as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act, the Cabotage Act, and international maritime conventions shape operations on Nigerian waters. Agbor challenged journalists to develop legal literacy in maritime issues, as it would improve the quality of their reporting and make their stories more authoritative.
“Legal frameworks are not just bureaucratic documents,” Agbor noted. “They are tools for empowerment, protection, and development. The media must become a watchdog for the enforcement of maritime law — especially in areas such as environmental protection, safety standards, and investment incentives.”
The event also featured syndicate and interactive sessions, where participants were grouped to discuss case studies on maritime policy failures, success stories in the Blue Economy, and strategies for improving public interest reporting on the sector. Each group presented its findings, with facilitators offering feedback on ways to improve journalistic framing and storytelling.
One of the most engaging aspects of the day was a guided tour of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) UNITY, an offshore patrol vessel. The tour offered participants firsthand exposure to naval operations, protocols, and the challenges of maritime security enforcement. Officers onboard explained the vessel’s surveillance capabilities, its anti-piracy functions, and its collaboration with regional and international forces to combat transnational crimes.
Journalists were particularly interested in the ship’s role in Nigeria’s anti-piracy efforts and its contribution to regional maritime stability under the Yaoundé Code of Conduct. The tour demystified naval operations and opened new story angles for media coverage — from human interest stories on naval personnel to technical reports on maritime defence strategies.
In concluding the course, the organisers called for greater collaboration between the maritime industry and media organisations. Rear Admiral Udofia (rtd) recommended that newsrooms assign dedicated maritime correspondents and invest in their continuous training to ensure consistent and expert coverage of the sector.
“The Nigerian media must prioritise the maritime beat, just as they do with politics or entertainment,” Udofia said. “What happens on our waters affects our economy, our environment, and our global reputation. We must tell these stories.”
He also expressed gratitude to Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for his unwavering support in making the training possible. Udofia acknowledged the Navy’s role as both a security provider and a key stakeholder in maritime governance and national development.
Participants at the course expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain deeper insights into maritime affairs. Mr. Godwin Ibekwe, a reporter with an online news platform, said the training had “completely changed” his approach to covering the sector.
“I used to focus only on port congestion and NIMASA press releases,” he said. “Now I understand the bigger picture — the policy gaps, the legal angles, the security issues. This has been an eye-opener.”
Another participant, Mary Fatile, a broadcast journalist from Radio Nigeria, noted that the tour of NNS UNITY gave her material for “three feature stories” and promised to develop a regular segment on maritime development for her station.
IMION says the executive course is part of a broader strategy to develop maritime human capital in Nigeria. The Institute plans to roll out a series of master classes and certification programmes for journalists, academics, and policymakers over the next 12 months. It also hopes to partner with international maritime organisations to bring global best practices to Nigeria’s media and maritime governance space.
In closing, Rear Admiral Udofia reaffirmed IMION’s commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s Blue Economy. “If we want to build a resilient maritime sector, we must start with informed citizens — and that means supporting our journalists to tell better stories.”
As Nigeria continues to look to its seas for economic recovery, energy, food security, and global competitiveness, the media’s ability to report responsibly and insightfully will be a critical part of that national voyage. The IMION training is only the beginning.
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