The Role of the Media in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Last Thursday

November 20, 2025, I had the honour of serving as a guest lecturer at the just concluded 1st International Conference and Exhibition on Marine and Blue Economy (IMABEC), held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. 

I represented the doyen of maritime journalism, Elder Asu Beks, who had other official engagements and requested that I stand in for him. Elder Asu Beks, a distinguished journalist, activist, publisher of 'Shipping World News' magazine, and CEO of Maritime Media Ltd., remains one of Nigeria’s most authoritative voices in the maritime sector. His trust in me to deliver this lecture was both humbling and inspiring. Thank you sir. I am very grateful.

In my presentation titled “The Role of the Media in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy,” I argued that the media is not a passive observer in maritime affairs but a central driver of transformation. Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy touches food security, environmental protection, trade efficiency, coastal livelihoods, and national development. Yet, public understanding of these issues remains limited. I stressed that the media must translate complex maritime science, policy, and economics into clear, accessible storytelling that empowers citizens, guides policymakers, and holds powerful actors accountable.

I also highlighted the urgent need for specialised maritime journalism in Nigeria. Many journalists lack technical training in ocean governance, oil spill forensics, port operations, and fisheries science. Without this knowledge, misinformation thrives and communities suffer.

I called for structured training programmes, open-data systems, collaborative investigative reporting, and stronger community media, especially in the Niger Delta, where many of the maritime challenges and opportunities are most visible. 

I emphasised that the rise of data journalism, satellite imagery, drone documentation, and AI tools offers powerful new ways to expose environmental damage, track illegal activities, and spotlight untapped blue economy opportunities.

Finally, I urged government agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions to embrace a culture of transparency and collaboration with the media. The blue economy can only thrive when stakeholders openly share data, support journalist safety, and respect the constitutional mandate of the press.

As I concluded, I reminded participants that the media is not merely reporting the maritime future, it is shaping it. And with Bayelsa standing at the heart of Nigeria’s blue economy revolution, strengthened media engagement will be crucial for unlocking the full promise of our waters and coastal communities.