The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dayo Mobereola, has said that the contributions of women in the maritime sector inspired the agency to do better.
According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director/Head, Public Relations, NIMASA, Osagie Edward, he stated this recently during the 2024 commemoration of the International Day for Women in Maritime in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme ‘Safe Horizons: Women Shaping the Future of Maritime Safety’, Mobereola commended the contributions of Nigerian women to the development of the maritime sector.
“To all the women in maritime, your contributions are vital, your voices are heard, and your achievements inspire us all. Together, we can harness the nation’s blue economy to build a more sustainable and prosperous maritime industry that benefits us all. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment to a more inclusive maritime community,” he added.
The International Day for Women in Maritime was established by the International Maritime Organisation to honour and celebrate the invaluable contributions and resilience of women across various segments of the maritime sector.
Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, NIMASA, Jibril Abba, noted that the agency appreciated the contributions of women to the development of the Nigerian maritime industry.
“Let me seize this opportunity to recognise and applaud the incredible achievements of women in maritime. From seafarers and 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.
Earlier in her presentation, the Director of Financial Services at NIMASA, Mrs Olamide Odusanya, 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.
“It is clear the pivotal role of women in the maritime industry. Closing the gender gap, which is 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 averred.
Associations that participated in the event included the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association; Women in Maritime; Women in Logistics and Transport, and Women in Maritime West and Central Africa; among others.
