NIMASA lauds women’s contribution to maritime development

…Marks International Day for Women in Maritime

Dayo Mobereola, director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has lauded the contributions of Nigerian women to the development of the maritime sector.

Mobereola, who was represented by Jibril Abba, executive director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, at the event to mark the 2024 International Day for Women in Maritime in Lagos, said the Agency appreciates the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.

“From seafarers, ship captains to engineers and port operators, as well as maritime professionals and trailblazers, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the maritime industry and driving innovation and progress. Their dedication, resilience, and expertise have not only enriched our industry but also inspired a future generation of women to pursue careers in maritime,” he said.

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He said women’s contributions are vital, their voices are heard, and their achievements inspire all.

“Together, we can harness the nation’s blue economy to build a more sustainable and prosperous maritime industry that benefits all. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to a more inclusive maritime community,” Mobereola added.

Earlier, Olamide Odusanya, director of Financial Services at NIMASA, appreciated the IMO for creating an inclusive and supportive environment to recognise women in maritime, in line with the provisions of Sustainable Development Goal 5, which is Gender Equality.

“The pivotal role of women in the maritime industry is clear. Closing the gender gap, which is the SDG 5- Gender Equality, has been an internal quest of women folks since the industrial revolution, and one significant achievement has been made; we still have a long way towards achieving relative parity,” she said.

Presenting a paper titled, ‘Emerging Trends: Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety and Opportunities for Women,’ Gloria Anyasodo said that safety transcends gender.

She said women must cultivate competence through proper education, expertise, and mutual support to uplift one another.

The International Day for Women in Maritime is a significant day established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of women in various segments of the maritime industry.

The event culminated with the official inauguration of the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) Nigeria chapter by the NIMASA Director General.

Associations that participated in the event with the theme ‘Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety,’ included the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA), Women in Maritime (WIMA), Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT), and Women in Maritime West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), among others.