The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has reopened its secretariat and International Maritime Press Centre in Apapa Lagos, following the decision of the Federal Government to ease the lockdown in Lagos.
President of MARAN, Mr Anya Njoku noted that the decision to reopen the Secretariat was borne out of the fact that major maritime stakeholders including the apex regulatory agency, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Shippers Council, and other agencies have since reopened their offices for operations.
He however noted that reopening the Secretariat does not imply that MARAN was letting down its guards against the scourge of the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
According to him, journalists are frontline and essential workers risking their lives against the Coronavirus decease.
To this end, he appreciated the Nigerian Shippers Council for donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to members of MARAN who are going to the port daily to report activities.
Speaking, Anya Njoku said “It doesn’t make sense for MARAN as fourth estate of the realm to continue to shut down her secretariat while the stakeholders we are meant to report have already reopened for operations.”
He however cautioned that MARAN members, visitors and other journalists visiting the press centre would not be allowed into the premises without taking Safety precautions including wearing of nose masks, hand Sanitizers and observing social distancing.
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