Maritime agencies said the impact of women in various professional roles, including port administration, shipping operations, logistics, maritime regulation, freight forwarding, marine law and policy development, is becoming increasingly visible in driving reforms and strengthening institutional excellence.

The maritime community also acknowledged that the contributions of women extend beyond operational roles to influencing policy conversations, improving stakeholder engagement and strengthening the regulatory environment that supports efficient trade and maritime activities in Nigeria.

They gave the message to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Give to Gain’.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, described women in the maritime sector as critical drivers of innovation, resilience and progress in the nation’s marine and logistics ecosystem.

He noted that women across Nigeria’s ports, shipping companies, logistics firms, regulatory agencies and maritime institutions have continued to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, often balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities while still contributing significantly to the sector’s development.

Akutah stated that the contributions of women extend beyond operational roles to influencing policy conversations, improving stakeholder engagement and strengthening the regulatory environment that supports efficient trade and maritime activities in Nigeria.

Akutah also called on stakeholders across the maritime and logistics sector to continue supporting initiatives that empower women, encourage leadership development and remove structural barriers limiting their full participation.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, applauded the contributions of women to the development of the maritime industry.

Mobereola celebrated the strength, expertise and invaluable contributions of women to the sector, emphasising that the industry has gained progress, innovation and sustainable growth through their efforts.

“The theme reflects your daily impact. Through your professionalism, leadership, and resilience across sea-going, regulatory, technical, and administrative roles, you give excellence and our sector gains progress, innovation, and sustainable growth.”

Mobereola further commended the dedication of women in the industry and reaffirmed his commitment to “a maritime industry where every woman is empowered to lead and thrive”.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, commended the resilience, dedication and invaluable contributions of women in the maritime sector—including firefighting, security, piloting, engineering, hydrography, administrative and vessel-support services such as aids to navigation.

He said these remarkable women are excelling even in roles that traditionally demand male-kind of strength.

Dantsoho noted that he deliberately prioritised gender equality in key appointments, stating that women hold 60 per cent of these roles, with men making up the remaining 40 per cent.

He reiterated NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and success across the maritime industry.”