By Helen Udofa/Uduak Akai
UYO
Energy and maritime reporters in Akwa Ibom have been tasked to maintain high level of professionalism, and continually build their professional knowledge to improve the quality, accuracy and depth of their reportage.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a one-day training workshop organised, Friday, by the Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, with the theme: “Understanding the Operations of International Oil Companies (IOCs) and their Marine Logistics Services Companies in Akwa Ibom Waterways”, in Uyo, to strengthen the capacity of journalists reporting the energy and maritime sectors.
At the workshop, which brought together journalists, media professionals, security and industry stakeholders to deepen understanding of participants on the operations of International Oil Companies (IOCs), marine logistics services and maritime security within Akwa Ibom, participants received insightful lectures from Mr Sunny Udom on the operations of International Oil Companies and Marine Logistics Services, while DCP Joseph A. Udoh, psc, (rtd), taught on Marine Logistics, Operations and Security in Akwa Ibom State Waterways, highlighting the security challenges on Akwa Ibom waterways, role of EMR and safety guidelines for journalists covering energy and maritime sectors.
The workshop pointed out that IOCs remain critical contributors to Nigeria’ economic growth through investment, employment generation and revenue; and that marine logistics constitutes the backbone of offshore oil and gas operations by facilitating the movement of personnel, equipment and essential supplies.
In addition, it noted that Akwa Ibom possesses enormous comparative advantage including its strategic coastline and offshore assets, which have positioned the State to become a leading marine logistics and energy services hub in Nigeria and Wet Africa.
The workshop maintained that the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act has significantly enhanced indigenous participation and created opportunities for local businesses and skilled professionals, noting that 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 reminded participants 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.
Furthermore, the workshop observed that 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, adding that environmental sustainability, pollution prevention, oil spill response and community engagement remain fundamental responsibilities of operators within the oil and gas industry.
The workshop, therefore, resolved that journalists covering the energy and maritime sectors should continually build their professional knowledge to improve the quality, accuracy and depth of reportage and encouraged EMR to sustain regular capacity building programmes to keep members abreast of emerging developments in the energy and maritime industries.
The communique also urged government to continue to strengthen maritime security through improved collaboration among the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, NIMASA, NSCDC, DSS, NPA and other relevant agencies. It further urged IOCs and marine logistics services providers to deepen engagement with host communities while promoting environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
Furthermore, government at all levels were urged to invest in marine infrastructure and policies that encourage indigenous participation, employment generation and private sector investment.
While journalists were urged to maintain professional relationships with relevant security agencies without compromising editorial independence, media practitioners were told to refrain from publishing sensitive operational information capable of endangering national security or ongoing security operations.
The workshop tasked 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.
Signed by the chairman of the Communiqué Drafting Committee, Comrade Solomon Okpo; Secretary, Comrade Iniabasi Umo; and member, Comrade Uyime Ekwere as well as the chairman of EMR in Akwa Ibom, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, and secretary, Comrade Mabel Ekanem, it commended the executive members of EMR in the state for organising the timely and impactful training.
Participants appreciated the erudite resource persons for their practical presentation and valuable contributions towards enhancing professional competence among energy and maritime reporters in Akwa Ibom.
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