Maritime journalists have been challenged to move beyond routine event coverage and embrace investigative reportage as a critical tool for combating smuggling, strengthening maritime security, and promoting trade facilitation in Nigeria.
The call was made by freight forwarding expert and Head of Research at the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre, SEREC, Eugene Nweke, while delivering the keynote lecture at the 2026 Annual General Meeting, Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Maritime Security, Trade Facilitation and the Media: The Role of the Media in Curbing Smuggling in Nigeria’s Maritime Corridor,” Nweke described smuggling as one of the most significant threats to Nigeria’s economy, security, and maritime industry, stressing that the media has a vital role to play in exposing illicit trade networks and promoting compliance with trade regulations.
According to him, investigative journalism remains one of the most effective weapons against smuggling, noting that journalists must begin to ask difficult questions about how prohibited goods enter the supply chain, the loopholes exploited by criminal syndicates, and the networks facilitating illicit trade.
“Evidence-based investigative journalism can expose criminal syndicates and trigger corrective actions,” he said.
Nweke, however, acknowledged the numerous obstacles confronting investigative reporting in the maritime sector, including inadequate funding, limited access to data, technical knowledge gaps, fear of litigation, weak whistleblower protection mechanisms, institutional secrecy, corruption networks, political pressure, and excessive dependence on advertorial patronage.
He also warned against the growing tendency of over-familiarity between journalists and the institutions they are expected to scrutinise.
“Despite these challenges, society depends on courageous journalism to expose hidden truths. The maritime media must therefore evolve from event-driven journalism to evidence-driven journalism. Nigeria needs more maritime investigators and fewer maritime spectators,” he stated.
The maritime expert further urged journalists to intensify public enlightenment campaigns on the dangers of smuggling, explaining that many individuals involved in illegal trade activities are often unaware of the broader economic and security implications of their actions.
He said the media should consistently educate the public on the impact of smuggling on local industries, government revenue, national security, and the proliferation of hard drugs and arms.
Beyond exposing wrongdoing, Nweke advocated for the promotion of a compliance culture through balanced reporting that highlights lawful trade practices, successful compliance stories, and the benefits of adhering to customs regulations.
He also encouraged responsible information sharing between the media and security agencies, stressing that journalists often possess valuable intelligence obtained from sources, communities, and whistleblowers.
According to him, such information, when handled ethically, can contribute significantly to national security objectives without compromising journalistic independence.
Nweke further emphasised the need for accurate and fact-based reporting, warning that misinformation and sensationalism can undermine legitimate enforcement efforts while enabling criminal networks to thrive.
Meanwhile, President of CONMMEP, Udo Onyeka, in his welcome address, described the gathering as a significant milestone for the association, which recently marked five years of existence.
He commended members for their commitment to promoting excellence in maritime journalism and fostering constructive engagement within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to Onyeka, the theme of the lecture was carefully chosen to examine the relationship between maritime security, trade facilitation, national economic development, and the strategic role of the media as both a watchdog and a partner in advancing national interests.
“The discourse is timely and important because it explores the critical relationship between maritime security, trade facilitation, national economic development, and the strategic role of the media in promoting national security and sustainable growth,” he said.
The event also featured the presentation of CONMMEP Leadership Excellence Awards to individuals recognised for their contributions to leadership, national development, and service to humanity.
