The celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) continues to provide an important platform for recognising progress toward gender equality while encouraging stronger commitment to women’s empowerment across industries.

In Nigeria’s maritime sector, where deliberate efforts are being made to close the gender gap, institutions and leaders championing inclusion are receiving growing commendation.

At the International Women’s Day celebration hosted by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME), Chizoba Anyika, applauded the agency’s leadership for its commitment to advancing the role of women in the maritime industry.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Anyika commended the Director-General of NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola, for fostering an enabling environment that supports initiatives aimed at promoting women’s participation and leadership within the sector.

She also extended special appreciation to the organising committee led by the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA, Odunayo Ani, who also serves as President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria), for putting together a successful and impactful International Women’s Day event.

Dr. Anyika noted that the commitment and collaboration demonstrated by leaders such as Dr. Ani reflect the growing momentum to strengthen the visibility, capacity and leadership of women within Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem.

According to her, initiatives that bring women together to share experiences, build networks and inspire the next generation are essential for accelerating progress toward gender inclusion in the industry.

She further highlighted the role of WIME in advancing advocacy, mentorship and recognition through initiatives such as the WIME Awards, which celebrate individuals and institutions making significant contributions to the empowerment of women in the maritime and energy sectors.

The event brought together stakeholders from across the maritime community, including Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA), Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME), Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT), and Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN).

Participants noted that empowering women is not only a social imperative but also a strategic driver of innovation, sustainability and sectoral growth.

As Nigeria continues to strengthen its maritime industry and pursue its blue economy ambitions, stakeholders emphasised that sustained collaboration among government agencies, industry professionals and advocacy groups will be essential in creating more opportunities for women to thrive and lead.

Dr. Anyika stressed that when institutions invest in women, the entire industry benefits, reinforcing the spirit of International Women’s Day and its enduring call for inclusive progress.