MARCON President Calls for Stronger Media Engagement Ahead of National Single Window Rollout.
MARCON President Calls for Stronger Media Engagement Ahead of National Single Window Rollout.
Lucky Akra
The President of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Ismail Aniemu, has called for more robust media participation in shaping public understanding of upcoming reforms in the maritime sector, particularly the National Single Window Project set for launch in the first quarter of 2026.
Aniemu made the call on Thursday at the All Nigerian Maritime Journalists Retreat held at the Lagos Free Trade Zone. The event, themed “Maximising Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Import and Export Trade,” brought maritime reporters together to deepen their knowledge of evolving industry trends and government policy directions.
He said the retreat was designed to equip journalists with the information and technical insight required to effectively report on reforms that will transform the nation’s trade processes.
The National Single Window which is a digital platform expected to streamline import and export procedures will, according to him, reshape manufacturing, revenue collection, and logistics across the country.
Aniemu emphasised Nigeria’s strategic role as a regional hub for West and Central Africa, adding that the country’s economic performance directly influences neighbouring economies. He noted that the maritime sector remains vital to national productivity, job creation, and trade facilitation, but warned that persistent inefficiencies such as long vessel turnaround times continue to hinder competitiveness.
While acknowledging progress in the sector, the MARCON president stressed that more effort is needed to meet Nigeria’s development aspirations. He said empowering journalists with knowledge on emerging technologies and maritime policy is key to improving public enlightenment and fostering accountability.
The retreat, which commenced on Wednesday, featured lectures and interactive sessions on technology adoption, policy development, and sector-wide modernisation. It also brought together industry leaders committed to advancing maritime growth.
Aniemu reaffirmed MARCON’s dedication to promoting informed, impactful journalism that supports Nigeria’s broader economic goals.
