Call for Rigorous Maritime Scrutiny
Dr Dakuku Peterside, former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has urged the Nigerian media to intensify its oversight of the country’s ports. Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Week in Lagos, Peterside emphasized that investigative journalism is essential for promoting accountability and efficiency within the maritime sector.
Peterside delivered his keynote address under the theme “Politics, Ports and Public Interest: The Media’s Catalytic Role in Driving Economic Growth in Nigeria.” He stated that the media plays a critical role in ensuring ports operate efficiently, noting that the performance of the maritime sector has direct implications for businesses, consumers, and the wider economy.
According to Peterside, ports should not be viewed merely as points for cargo handling and revenue collection. Instead, he described them as strategic economic infrastructure capable of supporting industrialization, exports, investment, and job creation.
Specific Indicators for Journalistic Monitoring
Peterside outlined specific metrics that journalists covering the maritime sector should monitor to move beyond reporting official statements and announcements. He urged reporters to track actual outcomes of government policies and interventions by focusing on the following indicators:
- Cargo dwell time
- Vessel turnaround time
- Cargo-clearance periods
- Inspection delays
- Documented charges
- Export processing
- Concession performance
He called for the publication of quarterly port-performance scorecards to provide regular public assessments of port efficiency. Additionally, Peterside urged journalists to track government contracts, concessions, public expenditure, and official commitments from their announcement through to completion to strengthen public accountability.
Economic Context and Technical Capacity
Addressing the economic implications of port operations, Peterside warned that inefficiencies in port operations could increase the cost of food, machinery, and manufactured goods. He noted that prolonged delays in cargo clearance could negatively affect business confidence and investment.
Peterside drew attention to a reported 24.8 per cent increase in cargo throughput between 2024 and 2025. However, he cautioned that rising cargo volumes should not be interpreted as evidence of broad-based economic prosperity without assessing efficiency and job creation.
Caution Against Simplistic Narratives
Peterside also cautioned journalists against attributing every port disruption or delay to government failure. He noted that the global maritime industry is affected by broader factors, including geopolitical conflicts, adverse weather conditions, port congestion, and disruptions to international trade routes.
Need for Specialized Training
To address these complexities, Peterside stressed the need to improve the technical capacity of journalists reporting on the maritime industry. He identified specific areas where enhanced training is necessary, including data journalism, maritime regulation, public procurement, and international trade.