Yemisi Izuora
The Director-General (DG) 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, emphasizing that sustainable growth in the industry depends on the active contributions of both men and women.
Mobereola made this known while delivering a keynote address at an event hosted by the agency in Lagos to celebrate women as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.
Addressing women professionals drawn from across Nigeria’s maritime industry, the NIMASA Director-General noted that the maritime sector offers vast opportunities and remains a key driver of national economic development. He stressed that the agency’s long-term vision includes supporting more women to build careers and take on leadership roles within the sector.
“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 stated that the agency would continue to implement policies and initiatives aimed at encouraging the next generation of female professionals to explore career opportunities in the maritime industry.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of the Financial Services Department at NIMASA, Odunayo Ani, highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime industry and the importance of inclusive leadership.
Ani, who is also the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria, said women in the maritime sector must continue to view compliance, leadership and innovation from perspectives that encourage inclusivity and sustainable growth.
She emphasized the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to expand opportunities for women in the sector, noting that NIMASA remains a strong example of institutional commitment to gender inclusion.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of various women-focused maritime organisations who commended NIMASA for its consistent support in advancing gender inclusion across the maritime industry. They also stressed the importance of mentorship, capacity building and regional collaboration in empowering more women to take up leadership roles.
A major highlight of the event was a presentation by guest speaker Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan on the topic, “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in Shipping and Global Trade.” In her presentation, she examined how ongoing fiscal reforms could open new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in shipping, logistics and global trade.
Enitan-Fowokan encouraged women in the maritime sector to position themselves strategically to take advantage of 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 the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria, Women in Maritime Africa, Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa and Women in Logistics and Transport.