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Nigerian journalists have been charged to move beyond routine reportage and embrace investigative journalism as a strategic tool against smuggling and insecurity.
Head of Research at the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), Forwarder Dr. Eugene Nweke gave the charge while delivering the keynote lecture titled, “Maritime Security, Trade Facilitation and the Media: The Role of the Media in Curbing Smuggling in Nigeria’s Maritime Corridor,”
According to Nweke silence is “the greatest weapon of a smuggler,” illicit trade thrives when citizens, institutions and the media fail to expose criminal activities.
“The battle against smuggling cannot be won by Customs alone, the Navy alone, intelligence agencies alone or policymakers alone. The media must become an active partner in protecting Nigeria’s maritime corridor,” he stated.
Maritime journalists he maintained must intensify investigations into customs revenue leakages, budget implementation, port charges, smuggling syndicates and trade fraud, while leveraging digital tools such as data journalism, artificial intelligence, satellite intelligence and cargo tracking to expose criminal networks.
The maritime expert also called for sustained public enlightenment on the economic and security consequences of smuggling, warning that the illegal movement of arms, narcotics, counterfeit products and other contraband fuel insecurity and pose serious threats to national security, public health and economic growth.
He advised journalists to remain objective and vigilant as the country approaches another election cycle, noting that heightened surveillance and responsible reporting would be critical in preventing the movement of illicit arms, hard drugs and politically motivated contraband through Nigeria’s maritime corridor.
Meanwhile, President of CONMMEP, Udo Onyeka, earlier in an address of welcome, had stated that the event, which marked the association’s fifth anniversary since its establishment in 2021, was designed to strengthen professionalism in maritime journalism while promoting constructive engagement among industry stakeholders.
According to him, the annual lecture, training session and awards ceremony also provided an opportunity for maritime journalists and key players in the industry to deliberate on issues affecting maritime security, trade facilitation and economic development.
Part of the highlights of the event was the recognition and presentation of awards to some individuals and corporate organizations
Speaking on the awards, Onyeka explained that the recipients were selected for their outstanding contributions to leadership, national development and service to humanity, noting that the awards reflect the association’s commitment to recognising excellence within the maritime sector.
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Honoured on the occasion were retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Enforcement Headquarters, ACG A.B. Shuaibu; Comptroller G.I. Aliyu, Customs Area Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A; Comptroller B.A. Balogun, Customs Area Controller (FOU), Zone C, Deputy Comptroller Moses Adewole, Customs Area Controller, Oyo/Osun Area Command; Deputy Comptroller O.O. Afeni, Customs Area Controller, Ogun 1 (Idiroko Border) Area Command; and Chief Superintendent of Customs Oscar Ivara, Public Relations Officer of Tin Can Island Port Command, Lagos.
The event also attracted other maritime journalists, representatives of the Nigeria Customs Service, security agencies, government officials and stakeholders.