The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting greater participation of women in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Mobereola stated this during an event organised by NIMASA in Lagos to celebrate women as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
He said sustainable growth in the maritime industry requires meaningful contributions from both men and women, noting that the sector offers vast opportunities and remains a major driver of national economic development.
“Men cannot exist without women, and the maritime industry can only achieve sustainable growth when both genders contribute meaningfully to its development,” Mobereola said.
According to him, the agency will continue to implement policies and initiatives that encourage more women, particularly young professionals, to pursue careers and leadership roles within the maritime sector.
Earlier, the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA and President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria, Dr Odunayo Ani, highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime industry.
Ani emphasised the need for inclusive leadership and urged women in the sector to adopt innovative approaches that promote compliance, collaboration and sustainable growth.
“Women in the maritime sector must continue to view compliance, leadership and innovation from fresh perspectives that encourage inclusivity and sustainable growth within the industry,” she said.
She also stressed the importance of stronger partnerships among stakeholders to expand opportunities for women, adding that NIMASA remains committed to promoting gender inclusion in the industry.
Representatives of women-focused maritime organisations at the event commended NIMASA for its support in advancing gender inclusion in the sector.
They also highlighted the importance of mentorship, capacity building and regional collaboration in empowering more women to take up leadership roles within the maritime industry.
A guest speaker at the event, Dr Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan, delivered a presentation titled “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade.”
She explained that ongoing fiscal reforms could create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics and global trade, urging them to position themselves to take advantage of emerging prospects in the evolving economic landscape.
The event brought together women from different cadres within NIMASA as well as representatives of various maritime associations, including Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria, Women in Maritime Africa, Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa and Women in Logistics and Transport.
