By Seun Ibiyemi
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting greater participation of women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, stressing that sustainable growth in the industry requires the active contributions of both men and women.
Mobereola made the statement while delivering the keynote address at an event hosted by the agency in Lagos to celebrate women in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2026.
Addressing women professionals from across Nigeria’s maritime industry, the NIMASA DG noted that the maritime sector presents enormous opportunities and remains a key driver of national economic development.
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He emphasized the agency’s long-term vision of supporting more women to pursue careers and assume leadership roles within the industry.
“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 added that NIMASA would continue to implement policies and initiatives aimed at encouraging the next generation of female professionals to explore opportunities in the maritime sector.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA, Odunayo Ani, highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime industry and the importance of inclusive leadership.
Ani, who also serves as President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria), said women in the maritime sector must continue to approach compliance, leadership and innovation with fresh perspectives that encourage inclusivity 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 further stressed the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to expand opportunities for women, noting that NIMASA remains a strong example of institutional commitment to gender inclusion.
Representatives of various women-focused maritime organisations delivered goodwill messages at the event, commending NIMASA for its consistent support in advancing gender inclusion in the 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 highlight of the event was a presentation by the guest speaker, Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan, titled “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade.”
She examined how ongoing fiscal reforms could create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics and global trade.
Enitan-Fowokan encouraged women in the maritime sector to strategically position themselves to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the evolving economic landscape.
The event brought together women from different cadres within NIMASA and 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).
