The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to driving the maritime industry’s transition to net-zero emissions, while endorsing the call by former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, for Africa to move beyond policy declarations to practical implementation.
Reacting to Peterside’s keynote address titled, “Maritime Policy, Net-Zero Transitions and Trade in Africa: Bridging the Gap Between What Africa Signs and What Africa Builds”, WISTA Nigeria described his presentation as timely, thought-provoking and a clear roadmap for transforming Africa’s maritime sector.
President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, commended Peterside for challenging African governments, regulators and industry stakeholders to prioritise execution over rhetoric, stressing that sustainable maritime development can only be achieved through innovation, institutional capacity, strategic investment and effective implementation.
She noted that the message aligns with WISTA Nigeria’s longstanding advocacy for policies that promote sustainability, decarbonisation and inclusive growth within the maritime industry.
“WISTA Nigeria fully shares the vision that Africa’s maritime future depends not only on the policies we adopt but on our collective ability to implement them effectively”, she said.
The Association said it strongly supports Dr. Peterside’s call for modern and efficient ports, cleaner shipping corridors, stronger indigenous shipping capacity and deliberate investment in maritime human capital, describing these as critical pillars for building a resilient, environmentally sustainable and globally competitive maritime industry.
As a leading advocate for diversity, inclusion and sustainable development in shipping, WISTA Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that accelerate decarbonisation, promote innovation, strengthen policy implementation and empower women professionals to play a greater role in advancing Africa’s blue economy and net-zero ambitions.
The Association further noted that bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation is essential to unlocking the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and positioning Africa as a major player in sustainable global maritime trade.