Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry have called for urgent and measurable reforms to improve female participation and leadership in the sector, stating that the industry is at a critical crossroads that demands intentional inclusivity.
The call came during the Fourth Women in Maritime and Shipping Conference held on Friday in Lagos, with the theme: “Charting New Waters: Women Steering Progress in Maritime and Shipping.”
The event, organized by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), drew a high-level audience of industry leaders, policymakers, professionals, and gender advocates who collectively emphasized that the future of the maritime and shipping sector must be inclusive, innovative, and purposefully driven by women’s empowerment.
Delivering the welcome address, Mr. Aminu Umar, President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, said the tides are shifting, and the sector must rise to the occasion by making room for women not only as participants but as powerful drivers of innovation, leadership, and sustainable development. He noted that this year’s conference theme reflects a shared determination to reimagine the maritime sector with women at the helm of progress—from ships and ports to boardrooms and policy frameworks.
Representing the NIMASA DG, a senior official of the agency read Dr. Mobereola’s keynote speech in which he affirmed NIMASA’s unwavering commitment to promoting gender inclusion and empowering women to take on leadership roles within the maritime space. He stressed that the agency recognizes a diverse workforce as essential for driving innovation and sustainable growth. Mobereola said the sector must continue to foster an environment that encourages inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for all in order to enable economic growth and development. He also acknowledged the support from the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping and other stakeholders, adding that collaboration has been instrumental in pushing forward key reforms and initiatives that support women in the industry.
Dr. Mobereola called on the industry to break down structural barriers and urged women in maritime to lead with passion and inspire the younger generation. He also gave credit to the Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for his commitment to gender equity in maritime.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Chizoba Anyika, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Women in Maritime and Energy Awards Initiative, declared that while the presence of women in maritime has historically been under-recognized, they have long played vital roles—repairing engines, training seafarers, leading negotiations, and managing ports. She challenged the sector to ask itself not whether women can lead, but whether it is ready to be led toward real progress.
Dr. Anyika decried the low female representation in maritime, citing that women account for just 2% of the world’s seafarers and less than 1% of executive roles, with Africa trailing behind. She emphasized that real transformation requires more than symbolism or tokenism—it requires educational reforms, investments, policy interventions, and a total redesign of the structural pathways that lead to leadership.
According to her, the maritime industry must begin to think of visibility, safety, and support from the perspective of women. She called for the establishment of gender-sensitive training institutions, harassment-free workspaces, inclusive offshore policies, and procurement processes that prioritize women-led enterprises. She insisted that progress is not about putting women on panels once a year, but about committing to bold, long-term investments and systemic reforms.
She called for gender-focused maritime investment funds, public-private partnerships, and angel investor networks targeted at lifting the ceiling on what is possible for women in the maritime and energy sectors. She warned that without deliberate action, the sector risks stagnation and the loss of enormous potential.
Referencing data from the World Bank and McKinsey, she said inclusive leadership is not just about equity but economic pragmatism, with potential to unlock trillions in GDP and significant long-term value. She reminded stakeholders that gender equity is not a charitable act or political correctness, but sound economic strategy.
Also speaking at the event, the National President of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas, Tolu Longe, who was represented by the Director, National Projects, Women in Energy Oil and Gas (WEOG), Miss Dede Yebovi, stated that women in underrepresented sectors like maritime and energy must continue to push boundaries and create their own seats at the table. She said the theme of the conference brilliantly encapsulates the spirit of transformation and innovation that women have long strived to achieve, adding that the work ahead goes beyond celebrating accomplishments—it is about shaping the future.
Longe emphasized the need for women to harness their unique insights, encourage collaboration, and leverage shared strengths to drive lasting change. She called the conference a call to action, not just an event, and urged women across the value chain to support one another in breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks for excellence.
She said every young woman aspiring to enter the maritime field must know that her potential is limitless, and that the industry must create an enabling environment for women to grow into leadership. She concluded by expressing hope that the conversations and ideas shared would translate into actionable steps that benefit not just the industry but the wider society.
As the event drew to a close, participants were urged to think beyond conferences and toward legacy—to imagine what policies, investments, and structures are being created today to ensure that the girl child in Calabar or Badagry has not only the right to dream, but a real chance to lead.
The Nigerian Chamber of Shipping reaffirmed its commitment to driving advocacy, creating capacity-building platforms, and ensuring that the maritime industry evolves into one that is safe, green, and inclusive. Umar encouraged more stakeholders to join the Chamber’s efforts and take advantage of its industry forums and initiatives.
The lineup of speakers was both diverse and distinguished, including Captain Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of the Abuja MoU; Dr. Kevin Okonna, Rector, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; Mrs. Funke Agbor (SAN), President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association; Dr. Felicia Mogo, a UN environmental consultant; Ms. Iroghama Ogbeifun, a commercial shipping expert and Managing Director Starz Maritime, Mrs. Tosan Edodo-Emore, maritime lawyer; and Dr. Oma Ofodile, Deputy Director at NIMASA
