Efforts to deepen gender inclusion within Nigeria’s maritime industry took centre stage in Lagos as stakeholders gathered to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. The event brought together female professionals, industry leaders, and advocacy groups to highlight the growing role of women in shaping the future of the sector.

Speaking at the occasion, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to fostering increased participation of women across all levels of the maritime industry. He underscored the importance of inclusivity, noting that sustainable growth in the sector depends on the active contributions of both men and women.

Delivering the keynote address, Mobereola described the maritime sector as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economic development, rich with untapped opportunities. He stressed that NIMASA is focused on creating pathways that will enable more women to build successful careers and assume leadership roles within the industry. According to him, balanced gender participation is not just desirable but essential for long-term industry sustainability.

In his remarks, he emphasized that meaningful development in maritime cannot be achieved in isolation, pointing out that collaboration between genders remains a critical factor in driving innovation, efficiency, and resilience in the sector.

Earlier in her welcome address, Odunayo Ani, Director of Financial Services at NIMASA and President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria, highlighted the increasing influence of women in maritime operations and governance. She called for a renewed focus on inclusive leadership, urging women to embrace fresh perspectives in compliance, innovation, and decision-making processes.

Ani also stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, noting that stronger partnerships would further expand opportunities for women in the industry. She pointed to NIMASA as a model for institutional commitment to gender inclusion, adding that continued support from both public and private sector actors is crucial to sustaining progress.

R-L: Executive Director Operations, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Engr Fatai Taiye Adeyemi; Deputy Director, Maritime Guard Command, Chizoba Anyika; Director General, NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Member, Group of Experts, United Nations Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment and socio-economics, Dr Felicia Mogo and President, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, WISTA, Dr. Odunayo during the 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration by NIMASA in Lagos.

Goodwill messages from representatives of various women-focused maritime organizations reinforced the call for mentorship, capacity building, and regional cooperation. Groups such as the Women in Maritime Africa, Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa, and Women in Logistics and Transport commended NIMASA’s consistent efforts in advancing gender inclusion and empowering women to take on leadership roles.

A key highlight of the event was a presentation by guest speaker Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan, who spoke on the theme “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade.” She explored how evolving fiscal policies could open new avenues for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics, and international trade, encouraging participants to position themselves strategically within the changing economic landscape.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to strengthen advocacy for gender equality in maritime, while equipping more women with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to thrive in the industry.