Industry leaders have called for the implementation of legislation aligned with global standards to promote gender inclusivity, diversity and equal opportunities for women in the maritime sector, to ensure economic growth and sustainable development.

They urged the Nigerian government to domesticate and implement African Union charters that advocate for the advancement of women, including the introduction of quotas for female recruitment in the maritime industry.

The industry players also recommended the introduction of incentives for gender-inclusive maritime organisations across both public and private sectors, alongside penalties for companies where harassment and discrimination persist.

These were among the key recommendations presented at the fourth edition of the Women in Maritime and Shipping Conference, organised by the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS) under the theme: “Charting New Waters: Women Steering Progress in Maritime and Shipping.”

The President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Mrs. Funke Agbor, emphasised the need for deliberate efforts through incentives and corporate governance mechanisms to reward maritime organisations that demonstrate high levels of gender inclusivity.

Highlighting the role of regulatory bodies, Agbor pointed to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) as a key player that could drive progress by incentivising shipping companies and other maritime firms to adopt gender-inclusive policies as part of their regulatory compliance obligations.

The Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the importance of building an inclusive environment that fosters diversity and equal opportunities for all, as a means to drive national economic growth and development.

Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to promoting gender inclusion and empowering women to assume leadership roles within the maritime sector.

Meanwhile, the President of Women in Maritime Organisations of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), Mrs. Oritematosan Edodo-Emore, advocated for Nigeria to implement African Union charters that promote the advancement of women.

Also speaking at the event, the Head of Administration at the Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control for West and Central African Region (Abuja MoU), Ms. Elozino Eteghrara, recommended the introduction of a gender quota for recruitment in Nigeria’s maritime sector.