The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, has pledged strong support for the upcoming 8th Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Africa Regional Conference, reaffirming her commitment to advancing women’s participation in the maritime sector.
Meranda gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of WISTA Nigeria, led by its President, Dr. Odunayo Ani, during a courtesy visit to her office in Lagos as part of stakeholder engagement ahead of the continental event.
She also confirmed her participation in the conference, scheduled to hold from June 25 to 26, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.
Speaking during the visit, Ani said the conference, themed “From Policy to Implementation: Women Advancing Africa’s Blue Economy through Sustainable Shipping, Trade and Energy Innovation”, would focus on practical strategies to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.
She noted that the event is expected to attract policymakers, maritime industry leaders, regulators, development partners, academics and professionals from across Africa and beyond.
According to her, WISTA Nigeria remains committed to promoting women’s leadership, capacity development and inclusion across maritime, shipping, logistics, trade and energy sectors.
Ani emphasised Lagos’ strategic importance in Africa’s maritime ecosystem, adding that the active participation of women leaders in the state would strengthen efforts to drive inclusivity, innovation and economic empowerment.
“The support and participation of women leaders in Lagos State will enrich discussions and help advance the drive for greater female representation in the maritime and blue economy sectors”, she said.
She also called on the Lagos State House of Assembly to support efforts to mobilise women across the state to participate in the conference, describing it as a platform for shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Africa.
Responding, Meranda commended WISTA Nigeria for its role in promoting women within the maritime industry and expressed readiness to support initiatives that expand opportunities within the blue economy value chain.
She noted her longstanding relationship with the association and reiterated her commitment to encouraging greater female participation in maritime affairs.
The conference is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing discussions on sustainable shipping, trade facilitation, energy innovation and gender inclusion, while accelerating the growth of Africa’s blue economy.