Women leaders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have reaffirmed the importance of female participation, innovation and regulatory compliance in strengthening the industry and unlocking opportunities in the blue economy.
This was the focus of discussions at the 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration organised by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA Nigeria), Theodora Nwaeze, said the global celebration provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women and push for greater gender equality across industries.
She noted that the 2026 theme, “Give to Gain”, reflects the enduring contributions women have made to families, institutions and national development.
According to her, “women have historically been givers, giving their time, their strength, their ideas, their resilience, and often their sacrifices to build families, institutions, communities, and nations. Yet, through that act of giving, societies gain stability, innovation, productivity, and progress”.
The WIMA Nigeria President stressed that the same spirit of commitment has shaped the maritime sector, where women have continued to prove their value despite longstanding barriers.
“In the maritime sector, the story is no different. For decades, women in maritime have continued to give their commitment, professionalism, and intellect to an industry that was once perceived as predominantly male. Through persistence and dedication, women have proven that their contribution is not optional but essential”, she said.
She noted that women are increasingly making their presence felt in maritime administration, marine science, port operations, shipping management and policy leadership, adding that the progress recorded today is the result of years of resilience and determination.
According to her, institutions that fail to embrace women’s participation risk limiting their productivity and growth.
“Women are vessels of productivity, creativity, and transformation. When women are included, institutions flourish, and when they are empowered, industries evolve”, she added.
Nwaeze further stated that WIMA Nigeria remains committed to promoting empowerment, collaboration, innovation and national visibility for women in the maritime industry.
She also commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, for supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening inclusiveness and industry development.
“Celebrating women within the sector is not just symbolic — it is a statement that women are valued contributors to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s maritime domain”, she said.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Odunayo Ani, said the gathering was organised not only to celebrate women but also to deepen discussions on policy, compliance and opportunities within the maritime and global trade sectors.
She explained that the theme of the programme, “Give Compliance to Gain Longevity: Navigating Nigeria’s Tax Reform Opportunities for Women in Shipping and Global Trade”, was carefully selected to encourage women to understand the country’s evolving fiscal and regulatory environment.
According to her, the initiative aims to help women leverage regulatory reforms as tools for growth, sustainability and global competitiveness.
“In the maritime and shipping sectors, compliance is often viewed merely as an obligation. However, today’s theme challenges us to see compliance in a different light—as a pathway to longevity, credibility, and long-term success”, Ani said.
She noted that businesses operating within transparent regulatory systems are better positioned to attract investment, build resilience and expand beyond national borders.
Ani added that while navigating regulatory frameworks may appear complex, the reforms present new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and professionals in maritime logistics, port operations, freight forwarding and international commerce.
“For women in shipping and global trade, these reforms present both challenges and opportunities. While navigating regulatory frameworks may seem complex, it also opens doors for innovation, partnerships, and leadership”, she said.
She reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to gender inclusion and capacity development, thanking the agency’s leadership for creating an enabling environment for women to thrive professionally.
“At NIMASA, the commitment to gender inclusion and capacity development remains strong. I thank our executive management led by our amiable Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who has given us women wings to fly in the agency,” Ani said.
She urged participants to take advantage of the event to exchange ideas, ask questions and build networks that would strengthen women’s participation in shipping and global trade.
The celebration brought together maritime stakeholders, industry leaders, professionals and students to reflect on the progress made by women in the sector and explore strategies for expanding their role in Nigeria’s maritime economy.