The management of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has reiterated its readiness to celebrate women and run an inclusive administration to carry them along in the scheme of things in the maritime sector of the economy.
It also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to encouraging greater participation of women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, noting that sustainable progress in the industry requires the contributions of both men and women.
The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Mobereola made this known while delivering the keynote address at an event hosted by the agency in commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2026 in Lagos recently.
Mobereola who addressed the gathering of women professionals from across Nigeria’s maritime industry stressed that the maritime sector presents enormous opportunities and remains a key driver of national economic development.
He emphasized NIMASA’s long-term vision of supporting more women to build careers and leadership roles within the industry.
His words: “Men cannot exist without women, and the maritime industry can only achieve sustainable growth when both genders contribute meaningfully to its development.”
The agency in a statement signed by its Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations, Mr. Osagie Edward quoted Mobereola highlighting the vast opportunities in the maritime industry.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Mobereola averred that the agency will continue to implement policies and initiatives that encourage the next generation of female professionals to explore careers within the sector.
NIMASA Director of Financial Services, Dr. Odunayo Ani had earlier in her welcome address highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime industry and the importance of inclusive leadership.
According to Ani who is also the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, 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”.
Odunayo also emphasized the need for stronger partnerships and collaboration among stakeholders to further expand opportunities for women in the sector, adding that NIMASA remains a strong example of institutional commitment to gender inclusion.
The statement added that goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the various women-focused maritime organizations present who commended NIMASA for its consistent support in advancing gender inclusion across the maritime 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 high point of the event was a presentation by the guest speaker, Dr. Titilayo Enitan-Fowokan on “Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform: Opportunities for Women in the Shipping and Global Trade” where 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 position themselves strategically to leverage 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 WISTA, Nigeria; Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA); Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA); and Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT).
