Dr Dayo Mobereola Expresses Commitment To Encourage Women’s Participation In Maritime Sector
By Asuquo Nuwak
Dr Dayo Mobereola Expresses Commitment To Encourage Women’s Participation In Maritime Sector
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to encouraging greater participation of women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, adding that sustainable progress in the industry requires the contributions of both men and women.
Dr. Mobereola who made this known 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, also 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.
Dr Dayo Mobereola is quoted as saying that: “Men cannot exist without women, and the maritime industry can only achieve sustainable growth when both genders contribute meaningfully to its development”.
Commenting on the vast opportunities in the maritime industry, the NIMASA DG said the Agency will continue to implement policies and initiatives that will encourage the next generation of female professionals to explore careers within the sector.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Financial Services Department at NIMASA, Dr. Odunayo Ani highlighted the growing influence of women in the maritime industry and the importance of inclusive leadership.
Dr. Ani who is also the President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria further said that “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”.
Dr. Odunayo also pointed out that 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.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the various women-focused maritime organisations 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.
Dr. 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 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.
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