Marine & Blue Economy stakeholders laud MARAN on contributions to lift Nigeria’s Economy

• As MARAN’s Past Presidents bag excellence Awards

The Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy Minis- try stakeholders have lauded the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) for their various contributions towards shaping the country’s Marine and blue economy sector, boosting national economic development and ensuring excellence in the sector. The encomium was be- stowed on MARAN at its median award on its past presidents which held at Rockview Hotel Apapa on Friday April 24, 2026.

MARAN celebrated its past leaders with Awards of excellence for their “vision, passions patriotism, resilience and sacrifices’ The event, was attended by all stakeholders in the Nigerian Marine and Blue economy, The NPA, NIMASA Nigerian Shippers Council, NIWA, NAGAFF, Captain Sunday Umoren, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho amongst others.

Barr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, in his goodwill message said the gathering which was to celebrate professionals who had distinguished themselves in projecting the vision of the maritime industry to Nigeria and the global community at large, further reinforces the responsibilities of MARAN in shaping the nation’s economy and the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

Akutah represented by the Deputy Director, Stakeholders Collaboration and Synergy of NSC, Austina Ogbonnaya, observed that the media professionals were instrumental in helping to bridge the gap between government initiative and public understanding.

On behalf of the Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the ES/ CEO, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON and the entire Management and staff of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we congratulate you all on this well-deserved honour as we join to celebrate your legacies that have helped to shape MARAN and maritime reportage in general, to be one of the most respected associations in the industry”, Ogbonnaya said.

“At the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we recognize that effective regulation and protection of shippers’ interests require partnership with the media. The role of the media in shaping perception and driving stakeholder engagement and promoting sector reforms cannot be overstated.

MARAN has all the years been a strong ally in amplifying policies that advanced port efficiency, trade facilitation and growth of our blue economy through accurate reportage, strategic communications and consistent advocacy.

“Your work has helped demystify complex maritime issues and positioned the sector as a critical driver of the Nigerian economy. The diversification agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has been showcased effectively.

“We urge you to continue in your excellent service knowing that your pen and voice contribute directly to the Nigerian maritime domain. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with MARAN as we jointly work towards a competitive, transparent and investor friendly maritime and blue economy”, she added.