NIMASA celebrates women, reaffirms inclusive maritime growth

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to encouraging greater participation of women in the maritime sector, noting that sustainable progress in the industry requires the contributions of both men and women.

Dr. Mobereola made this known in his keynote address at an event hosted by the agency in Lagos to celebrate women in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026.

The NIMASA DG, who addressed women professionals from across Nigeria’s maritime industry, stressed that the sector presents enormous opportunities and remains a key 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.

He emphasised NIMASA’s long-term vision of supporting more women to build careers and leadership roles within the industry.

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Highlighting the vast opportunities in the industry, he said the agency will continue to implement policies and initiatives that encourage the next generation of female professionals to explore careers within the sector.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Financial Services Department at NIMASA, Dr. Odunayo Ani, underlined the growing influence of women in the industry and the importance of inclusive leadership.

Dr Ani, who is also the president of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, further said: “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.”

Dr Ani also emphasised the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to further expand opportunities for women in the sector, adding that NIMASA remains a strong example of institutional commitment to gender inclusion.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the various women-focused maritime organisations present, who commended NIMASA for its consistent support in advancing gender inclusion across the maritime industry. They also underscored the importance of mentorship, capacity building, and regional collaboration in empowering more women to take up leadership roles within the sector.

A high point of the event was a presentation by the guest speaker, Dr. Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan on “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade” where she examined how ongoing fiscal reforms could create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics, and global trade.

Dr. Enitan-Fowokan encouraged women in the maritime sector to position themselves strategically to leverage emerging opportunities within the evolving economic landscape.

The event brought together women from different cadres within the Agency as well as representatives of leading women-focused maritime associations, including Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria; Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA); Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA); and Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).