The Future of Maritime Trade: Trailblazing Women Power Up B’Odogwu Seminar

By Sandra Chukwunyere

A landmark seminar celebrating innovation, integrity, and inclusion in Nigeria’s maritime sector is scheduled to take place on November 4, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos. The event, which starts at 10:00 AM, aims to bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss the future of maritime trade.

The seminar, themed “The Impact of the B’Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation & Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the New Marine and Blue Economy – How Far, How Well?”, will spotlight the transformative role of women and technology in shaping the future of maritime trade. This event promises to be a pivotal moment in advancing gender inclusion and digital innovation in Nigeria’s maritime landscape.

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A distinguished lineup of women leaders will feature at the seminar, including Mrs. Rollen Macfoy, President, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica), Princess Chi Eze, Vice President, Seaports, NAGAFF, and Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO, Le Look Nigeria Ltd. Other notable speakers include Dr. Princess Victoria Haastrup, Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Ltd; Chief (Mrs.) Benaldine Eloka, Vice President, Clarion Shipping; Hajia Bola Muse, President, Bomarah Group; and Comptroller Joy Edelduok, CAC, KLT Customs Command.

These trailblazing women will share insights on leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Their contributions will be honored and celebrated during the seminar, which aims to promote gender inclusion and recognize the achievements of women in the maritime sector.

The seminar will also explore the impact of the B’Odogwu digital platform, a homegrown innovation revolutionizing trade facilitation in Nigeria Customs Service and freight experts, including Compt. Frank Onyeka, CAC, Tin Can Customs; Compt. Joe Anani, CAC, PTML; High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, President, NAGAFF; and Dr. Segun Musa, Chief Consultant, GTP, will provide deep dives into its success.

The event will be attended by global dignitaries, including the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, who is the Chief Guest of Honour. Other notable attendees include Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, former National President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and Chairman/ CEO, Skelas Group, who will chair the occasion, and Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, Founder of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), who will be the Father of the Day.

According to a statement issued by Mr Lod Onyeji, the Project Coordinator, and Reverend John Iwori, the Secretary, the one-day event will explore the impact of the B’Odogwu platform on trade facilitation and honour the contributions of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

The Chairman of the event will be supported by the President, Women in Maritime Africa, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, while Princess Chi Eze will be the Special Guest of Honour. This event promises to be a pivotal moment in advancing gender inclusion and digital innovation in Nigeria’s maritime landscape.