Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reiterated the Agency’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s participation in Nigeria’s maritime sector, stressing that the industry can only achieve sustainable growth when both men and women contribute meaningfully to its development.
Dr. Mobereola made this known in Lagos while delivering the keynote address at NIMASA’s event commemorating International Women’s Day 2026, which brought together accomplished women professionals from across Nigeria’s maritime landscape.
Addressing the gathering, the NIMASA DG described the maritime sector as a critical driver of national economic development, rich with untapped opportunities for women aspiring to build careers and assume leadership roles.
“Men cannot exist without women, and the maritime industry can only achieve sustainable growth when both genders contribute meaningfully to its development,” he said.
He reaffirmed NIMASA’s long-term commitment to implementing policies and initiatives that encourage the next generation of women to explore careers in shipping, logistics, and related fields.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of the Agency’s Financial Services Department, Dr. Odunayo Ani, who also serves as President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, commended the rising influence of women in the maritime space. She emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership, innovation, and fresh perspectives in advancing the industry.
Dr. Ani further highlighted the need for stronger stakeholder collaboration to expand opportunities for women, noting that NIMASA continues to serve as a leading institution in championing gender inclusion across the sector.
Representatives of various women-focused maritime bodies delivered goodwill messages, applauding NIMASA’s consistent support for initiatives promoting mentorship, capacity building, and regional cooperation. They called for collective efforts to empower more women to take up strategic leadership roles.
The guest speaker, Dr. Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan, delivered an insightful presentation titled “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in Shipping and Global Trade.”
She explored how the country’s ongoing fiscal reforms could unlock new possibilities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in the maritime and logistics ecosystem, urging women to strategically position themselves to leverage emerging opportunities.
The event drew participation from women across different departments within NIMASA, as well as representatives of leading women-focused maritime associations, including WISTA Nigeria, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA), Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), and Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).