Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have renewed calls for greater inclusion and empowerment of women, as the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) commemorated the 2026 edition of International Women’s Day with industry leaders and professional associations.
Speaking at the event in Lagos on Thursday, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, encouraged women to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in Nigeria’s marine and maritime sector, describing the industry as one of the country’s most underexplored yet promising economic frontiers.
Mobereola noted that the maritime industry offers diverse career, professional and investment opportunities for women, stressing that the agency is intentionally creating pathways for women to advance into leadership roles.
According to him, women already occupy a significant number of leadership positions within the agency due to their competence and efficiency. He added that NIMASA is committed to ensuring fair representation for women in employment while also accelerating their participation in management positions.
“My message for women is that the marine sector, as well as the economy, has huge potential and remains one of the biggest sectors in Nigeria that is still untapped. It is therefore a good opportunity for women to explore the various careers, professional opportunities and investments available in the industry,” he said.
In her welcome address, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dr. Odunayo Ani, said the celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of women in the maritime and global trade sectors while also addressing policy and regulatory issues affecting their participation.
Dr. Ani explained that the theme of the event, “Give Compliance to Gain Longevity: Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform Opportunities for Women in Shipping and Global Trade,” was deliberately chosen to help women better understand the evolving fiscal and regulatory environment, particularly in the area of taxation.
She noted that regulatory compliance should not be viewed merely as an obligation but as a pathway to credibility, resilience and long-term business success.
According to her, women involved in maritime logistics, port operations, freight forwarding and international commerce must position themselves to benefit from emerging reforms through knowledge, collaboration and strategic compliance.
Ani also commended the leadership of the NIMASA Director-General for creating an enabling environment that allows women to thrive professionally within the agency.
Also speaking on behalf of the President of Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Nigeria, Kashimana Tsumba described International Women’s Day as an opportunity to reflect on the progress women have made while acknowledging the need for sustained efforts toward gender equality.
She noted that although women have historically been underrepresented in the maritime sector, they are increasingly excelling in areas such as maritime administration, seafaring, ship surveying, port management, marine engineering, maritime law and entrepreneurship.
Tsumba said the organization remains committed to promoting mentorship, professional development and advocacy initiatives aimed at encouraging more women and young girls to pursue careers in the maritime industry.
She further commended NIMASA for its consistent support for initiatives that promote gender inclusion and capacity development within the sector.
In her goodwill message, President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA Nigeria), Theodora Nwaeze, emphasized that women’s contributions have played a crucial role in shaping the growth and transformation of the maritime industry.
According to her, the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Give To Gain,” reflects the sacrifices and commitment women have consistently made toward building stronger institutions, communities and economies.
She noted that increased participation of women in maritime administration, marine science, shipping management and policy leadership demonstrates the growing impact of women in the sector.
Nwaeze added that institutions and industries that fail to incorporate women risk limiting their productivity and growth, stressing that empowering women ultimately strengthens the maritime ecosystem.
Similarly, Chairperson of the Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Nigeria, Khadijat Sheidu-Shabi, highlighted the importance of leadership, mentorship, empowerment, entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility in advancing women’s participation in logistics and transport sectors.
She explained that WiLAT draws its membership from various transport and logistics sectors including maritime, rail, aviation and supply chain management, with a focus on supporting women through capacity building and professional development.
According to her, mentorship and empowerment remain critical tools for preparing the next generation of female professionals within the maritime and logistics industries.
Stakeholders at the event emphasized that strengthening collaboration between government agencies, professional associations and industry players will be key to expanding opportunities for women and ensuring their meaningful participation in Nigeria’s growing maritime economy.
