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By our Reporter
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has called for stronger collaboration with the media to promote Akwa Ibom State’s maritime potential, attract investment and increase awareness of opportunities in the blue economy.
The Port Officer, NSC Uyo Port Office, Mrs. Molly Asanga, made the call on Monday when the Executive Committee of the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, paid a courtesy visit to the Council in Uyo.
Asanga said the media had a critical role to play in promoting the state’s maritime opportunities and attracting investors to explore its largely untapped coastal and maritime resources.
She identified opportunities in port infrastructure, inland transportation, vehicle transit areas and other maritime-related businesses, urging stakeholders to prepare for increased economic activities, “We must be able to organise the state before the activities just come and overwhelm us,” she said.
Asanga also disclosed that the Council was engaging relevant security and government agencies to address challenges affecting maritime trade and promote legitimate businesses along Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
Earlier, EMR State Chairman, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between maritime journalists and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
He said EMR remained committed to professional reporting of the energy, maritime, oil and gas and blue economy sectors, stressing that Akwa Ibom’s coastline and emerging maritime opportunities required sustained media attention.
Ndifreke called for regular engagement, capacity building and information sharing between the Council and maritime journalists, assuring that EMR would continue to promote investment opportunities and increased public awareness of the sector.
He said stronger collaboration between the media and maritime institutions would support efforts to position Akwa Ibom as a major maritime and blue economy hub.
