NPERA To Institute Annual Honesty Prize For MAN Oron Cadets From 2027

By Stella Okocha

The Director-General of Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, Dr. Pius Akutah, has announced plans to institute an annual Award of Honesty for three cadets of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron, from 2027.

Akutah said the award is aimed at promoting integrity, ethical conduct and professionalism among future maritime practitioners.

He disclosed this in his goodwill message at Academy’s 2026 Cadets’ Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, where he congratulated 314 graduating cadets of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma programmes.

Describing graduation as beginning of new phase of professional development, NPERA boss urged graduates to approach careers with dedication, discipline and commitment to continuous learning as they transition into professional practice.

He stressed that professional competence must be complemented by integrity and responsible conduct to build credible maritime industry and sustain public confidence.

According to him, the proposed Award of Honesty would entrench the culture of integrity among young maritime professionals and reinforce ethical values required for responsible leadership and excellence.

Meanwhile, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening maritime education, professional certification and sea-time training.

Oyetola called for stronger collaboration between maritime training institutions and industry operators to bridge gap between academic training and professional practice and enhance employability of graduates.

The ceremony also featured formal launch of Academy’s Enterprise Content Management System, ECMS, designed to improve administrative efficiency, transparency and accountability.tability.