By Sandra Chukwunyere
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime and labour sectors have commended the resilience and growing contributions of women to the development of the industry as the world marks International Women’s Day 2026, emphasizing the need for greater inclusion, leadership opportunities and sustained support to enable women thrive and continue driving progress across the sector.
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The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dayo Mobereola, has commended the significant contributions of women to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
In a goodwill message to mark International Women’s Day 2026, themed “Give to Gain,” Mobereola praised the strength, expertise and dedication of women working across the sector, noting that their efforts continue to drive progress, innovation and sustainable growth within the industry.
Mobereola explained that women play critical roles across sea-going, regulatory, technical and administrative segments of the maritime sector.
“I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry. The theme Give to Gain 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,” he said.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Relations of the agency, Osagie Edward, Mobereola further reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a maritime industry where women are empowered to lead, excel and thrive.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, also celebrated the resilience and dedication of women working across the maritime sector.
Dantsoho acknowledged the invaluable contributions of women in diverse operational areas including firefighting, security, piloting, engineering, hydrography, administrative duties and maritime support services such as aids to navigation.
He noted that women in the authority continue to excel even in roles traditionally considered physically demanding.
The NPA Managing Director disclosed that gender equality was deliberately prioritized in key appointments within the agency, particularly among his aides and Technical Assistants.
According to him, women currently occupy 60 percent of those positions, while men make up the remaining 40 percent — a move he described as a deliberate step toward strengthening women’s participation and leadership in the maritime industry.
He commended women within the authority and across the sector for their commitment to driving progress and breaking barriers.
Similarly, the Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, praised the resilience and contributions of women worldwide in commemoration of International Women’s Day.
Adeyanju, who also serves as President of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, described women as the backbone of society and acknowledged their role in nation building and the sustenance of peace.
The former President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria emphasized that women remain central to human development and societal growth, noting that without them the world would be devoid of life.
He encouraged women to remain steadfast in their careers, noting that many achieved success by refusing to be intimidated in male-dominated fields.
Adeyanju also urged women to continue advocating for their rights and taking up leadership roles in national development and peace building.
He commended women excelling in different professions and encouraged them to remain role models for future generations.
Together, these leaders reaffirmed that empowering women is key to building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable maritime industry.
Newspoint247 reports that International Women’s Day is globally observed to highlight the achievements of women while drawing attention to the challenges they face and the need for gender equality. The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasizes investing in women through education, mentorship and resources to create stronger economies, communities and workplaces.
