The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has called for stronger maritime security, sustained capacity building for journalists and increased investment in marine infrastructure to enhance the growth of Nigeria’s energy and maritime sectors.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s one-day training workshop held on Thursday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The workshop, themed “Understanding the Operations of International Oil Companies (IOCs) and Their Marine Logistics Service Companies in Akwa Ibom State Waterways,” brought together journalists, media practitioners, security experts and stakeholders in the energy and maritime industries.
According to the communiqué signed by the Chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Comrade Solomon Okpo, Secretary, Comrade Inlabasi Umo, and committee member, Comrade Uyime Ekwere, participants identified International Oil Companies (IOCs) as major contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth through investment, employment generation and revenue.
The participants also noted that marine logistics remains the backbone of offshore oil and gas operations by facilitating the movement of personnel, equipment and essential supplies.
The communiqué observed that Akwa Ibom State possesses significant comparative advantages, including its strategic coastline and offshore assets, which position it to become a leading marine logistics and energy services hub in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
Participants further acknowledged the impact of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act in promoting indigenous participation and creating opportunities for local businesses and skilled professionals.
While recognising the importance of the sector, the workshop identified piracy, crude oil theft, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, smuggling and other maritime crimes as major threats to sustainable offshore operations, stressing the need for enhanced collaboration among security agencies.
The workshop also emphasised that accurate, balanced and ethical journalism remains critical to promoting transparency, accountability, investor confidence and public understanding of developments in the energy and maritime sectors.
Participants urged journalists covering offshore activities to prioritise their personal safety by conducting risk assessments, obtaining necessary authorisations, using appropriate personal protective equipment and complying with established maritime safety and security protocols.
The communiqué called on the government to strengthen maritime security through improved collaboration among the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other relevant agencies.
It also urged International Oil Companies and marine logistics service providers to deepen engagement with host communities while promoting environmental sustainability, pollution prevention, effective oil spill response and corporate social responsibility.
Participants further appealed to governments at all levels to invest in marine infrastructure and formulate policies that encourage indigenous participation, employment generation and private sector investment in the maritime industry.
The workshop advised journalists to maintain cordial relationships with security agencies without compromising editorial independence and to refrain from publishing sensitive operational information capable of jeopardising national security or ongoing security operations.
Participants commended the Executive Committee of the EMR Akwa Ibom State Branch, led by its Chairman, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, for organising what they described as a timely and impactful training programme.
They also appreciated the resource persons, including Mr. Sunny Udom and retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Joseph A. Udoh, for their practical presentations on the operations of International Oil Companies, marine logistics and maritime security.
The workshop concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism, safety consciousness and responsible reporting in support of the sustainable development, security and economic prosperity of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
