Maureen Aguta
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in Nigeria’s maritime industry, stressing that inclusive participation is critical to the sector’s long-term growth and sustainability.
Mobereola made this known while delivering a keynote address at a NIMASA event held in Lagos to celebrate women as part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day.
Addressing women professionals drawn from across the maritime sector, the NIMASA chief described the industry as a major driver of Nigeria’s economic development and a space rich with opportunities for skilled professionals, particularly women.
He emphasised that sustainable progress in the maritime industry requires balanced contributions from both men and women.
“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 further noted that the agency remains committed to implementing policies and initiatives that will encourage more women, especially young professionals, to pursue careers and leadership roles in maritime.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA, Dr. Odunayo Ani, highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime sector and underscored the importance of inclusive leadership in driving industry transformation.
Ani, who also serves as President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, said women in the maritime sector must approach issues of compliance, leadership and innovation with fresh perspectives that promote inclusivity and sustainable development.
She also stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to expand opportunities for women in the industry, noting that NIMASA continues to demonstrate institutional commitment to gender inclusion.
Representatives of several women-focused maritime organisations delivered goodwill messages at the event, commending NIMASA for its consistent support toward advancing gender equality within the sector. They also emphasised the role of mentorship, capacity building and regional collaboration in preparing more women for leadership positions in maritime.
A highlight of the event was a presentation by the guest speaker, Dr. Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan, titled “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade.”
In her presentation, Enitan-Fowokan examined how ongoing fiscal reforms could open new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics and global trade, urging women in the sector to strategically position themselves to take advantage of emerging economic prospects.
The event attracted women from various departments within NIMASA as well as representatives of leading women-focused maritime associations, including the 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).
