WISTA, WIMAfrica/ WIMOWCA, WIME others urge FG to implement inclusive maritime policies
Lagos, Sept. 10, 2026, Women leaders across Nigeria’s maritime, oil and gas sectors have appealed to the Federal Government and industry players to put in place policies that will enhance women’s participation and leadership within the blue economy.
They made the call on Thursday during a panel session at the 11th Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK 2026) in Lagos.
The panel brought together representatives of five women-focused associations, who called for practical measures, mentorship, training and collaboration to increase women’s participation in the sector.
The President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Dr Odunayo Ani, said the association was committed to creating opportunities for women to lead and contribute to the growth of shipping, logistics and the blue economy.
Ani said WISTA would strengthen its mentorship, networking, advocacy and leadership programmes to help women enter, advance and take leadership positions in the maritime sector.
She urged government and industry operators to recruit, retain, promote and support qualified women through inclusive policies and measurable targets.
Ani also called for an end to discrimination, unequal opportunities and unsafe workplace practices, while urging stakeholders to equip women with technical, digital, entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
She stressed the importance of male allies in mentoring and supporting women, saying WISTA would continue to promote women as captains, engineers, executives, regulators and innovators.
Similarly, the President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica) Nigeria, Mrs Theodora Nweze, said the maritime industry would be stronger when women had equal opportunities to participate, develop careers and assume leadership positions.
Nweze identified traditional beliefs, limited training opportunities, lack of role models, harassment and poor work-life balance as some of the challenges affecting women’s entry and retention in the sector.
She called for fair recruitment, equal access to training and promotion, safe workplaces and family-friendly policies to support women’s careers.
Nweze also recommended early engagement of girls through scholarships, internships, cadet programmes and mentoring.
She urged stakeholders to move from participation to progression and ensure that women played active roles in shaping the future of the maritime sector.
The Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Women in Maritime and Energy (WIME) Awards, Dr Chizoba Anyika, said Nigeria should position women as investors, operators and custodians of the blue economy and eco-tourism.
Anyika said the country’s lagoons, beaches, mangroves and coastal communities remained largely underdeveloped, while women with indigenous knowledge lacked access to finance, infrastructure and markets.
She proposed a framework involving policy, institutions, investment, infrastructure, people and enterprise to unlock the economic potential of the country’s coastal resources.
According to her, eco-tourism can create jobs in hospitality, transportation, crafts and environmental conservation.
Anyika urged government, financial institutions and private investors to support women-led businesses, protect coastal ecosystems and involve women in blue economy decision-making.
Mrs Oluseyi Oluyede, Treasurer, Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOCA), urged women to support one another, saying, “when you rise, leave one more.”
Also, Mrs Tolulope Longe, President, Women in Energy Oil and Gas, represented by Mrs Ruth Chukwukezirim, said progress required building structures rather than relying on sentiments.
She said the impact of women’s participation should be measured by their presence in boardrooms and decision-making positions, rather than attendance at events.
Mrs Rollens Macfoy, Chief Executive Officer, Ocean Deep Service Ltd., said women needed sponsorship in addition to mentorship.
Macfoy cited new training programmes by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and urged stakeholders to support students in accessing professional certification courses in digital and safety competencies.
The Managing Director, Hudson Gee Ltd., Mrs Gloria Kanabe, moderated the session.
Kanabe urged stakeholders to move from representation to impact and take deliberate steps to remove barriers hindering women’s advancement in the sector.