By Dianabasi Effiong
Uyo (FLOWERBUDNEWS): The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has called for continuous strengthening of security on Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The group made the call in a communique at the end of a one-day training Workshop in Uyo, organised to strengthen the capacity of journalists reporting activities in the energy and maritime sectors of the state.
The workshop, with the theme: “Understanding The Operations Of International Oil Companies (IOCs) And Their Marine Logistics Service Companies In Akwa Ibom State Waterways” was organised by the state’s branch of the EMR.
The communique also stated that International Oil Companies (IOCs) remain critical contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth through investment, employment generation, and revenue.
According to the communique, marine logistics also constitutes the backbone of offshore oil and gas operations by facilitating the movement of personnel, equipment, and essential supplies.
It stated that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act had significantly enhanced indigenous participation and created opportunities for local businesses and skilled professionals.
It also stated, “Akwa Ibom State possesses enormous comparative advantages, including its strategic coastline and offshore assets, positioning it to become a leading marine logistics and energy services hub in Nigeria and West Africa.
“The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act has significantly enhanced indigenous participation and created opportunities for local businesses and skilled professionals.
“Security remains indispensable to sustainable offshore operations, as piracy, crude oil theft, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, smuggling, and other maritime crimes continue to pose threats to national assets.”
It stated that accurate, balanced, and ethical journalism was essential for promoting transparency, accountability, investor confidence, and public understanding of developments within the energy and maritime sectors.
It also added: “Journalists covering energy and maritime activities operate in high-risk environments and must prioritise personal safety, obtain necessary authorisations, and strictly comply with safety and security protocols.”
The communique stated that environmental sustainability, pollution prevention, oil spill response, and community engagement were fundamental responsibilities of operators within the oil and gas industry.
“Journalists covering the energy and maritime sectors should continually build their professional knowledge to improve the quality, accuracy, and depth of reportage. EMR should sustain regular capacity-building programmes to keep members abreast of emerging developments in the energy and maritime industries.
“The government should continue strengthening maritime security through improved collaboration among the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Police Force, NIMASA, NSCDC, DSS, NPA, and other relevant agencies.
“International Oil Companies and marine logistics service providers should deepen engagement with host communities while promoting environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
“Government at all levels should invest in marine infrastructure and policies that encourage indigenous participation, employment generation, and private sector investment.
Journalists should maintain professional relationships with relevant security agencies without compromising editorial independence.
“Media practitioners should refrain from publishing sensitive operational information capable of endangering national security or ongoing security operations,” the communique stated.
It urged all journalists covering offshore operations to conduct risk assessments, use appropriate personal protective equipment, verify access permissions, and observe all maritime safety procedures during assignments.
The workshop commended the Executive members of EMR, Akwa Ibom State Branch, under the leadership of Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, for organising the timely and impactful training.
Participants also expressed their appreciation to the resource persons for their practical presentations and valuable contributions toward enhancing professional competence among energy and maritime reporters.
The workshop ended with a renewed commitment by participants to uphold professionalism, ethical journalism, safety consciousness, and responsible reporting in support of the sustainable development, security, and economic prosperity of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
The EMR workshop, held at Plot 51 G-Line, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, brought together select media practitioners, security experts, and industry stakeholders to deepen understanding of the operations of IOCs, marine logistics services, and maritime security within Akwa Ibom State.
Participants received insightful lectures from Mr. Sunny Udom, a maritime expert and EMR stakeholder, on the operations of International Oil Companies and marine logistics services, and from DCP Joseph A. Udoh, PSC (Rtd), on Marine Logistics Operations, Security on the Akwa Ibom waterways, and safety measures for journalists covering the sector.
The communique was signed by Comrade Solomon Okpo, Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee;
Comrade Iniabasi Umo, Secretary; Comrade Uyime Ekwere, member; Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, Chairman, EMR Akwa Ibom State Branch; and Comrade Mabel Ekanem, Secretary, EMR Akwa Ibom State Branch.