The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to women’s rights and gender equality, vowing to continue creating opportunities for women within and outside the organization.
Speaking during the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration with the theme “Accelerate Action for Gender Equality,” the Managing diretctor of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, emphasized that the Authority remains dedicated to empowering women and ensuring they reach their full potential.
“For us in the Nigerian Ports Authority, we do not see IWD as another day to pay lip service to women’s rights and economic empowerment. Rather, it is a day to reflect on what we have done and to commit to doing even more,” Dantsoho said.
Highlighting some of the organization’s strides in promoting gender equality, the NPA boss noted that the authority has implemented policies such as extending maternity leave to six months, allowing nursing mothers flexible work hours, and ensuring that women can rise to leadership positions without gender-based barriers.
Currently, the NPA has Mrs. Vivian C. Richard-Edet serving as Executive Director, Finance and Administration, and in recent years, at least 12 women have held key positions as general managers and port managers. Women are also well represented in various technical and operational roles within the authority, working as pilots, engineers, fire service officers, security personnel, and medical staff.
Despite these achievements, Dantsoho acknowledged that gender inequality remains a challenge. “It is not yet uhuru when women and girls are still being subjected to various forms of discrimination, inequality, injustice, and abuse because of their gender,” he said, pledging that the NPA will continue to create more opportunities for women in the maritime sector.
“I congratulate all women in the NPA for this year’s IWD and assure you that we will continue to work with you towards putting the authority in the lead when it comes to providing opportunities for girls and women to actualize themselves in the maritime industry. Together, we will accelerate action for gender equality,” he added.
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, is a global event dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, advocating for gender equality, and calling for stronger policies and actions against gender-based violence and discrimination. Since its first observance in 1911, the day has gained recognition worldwide, with March now widely known as Women’s History Month.
