Mobereola, Dantsoho Celebrate Women’s Impact On Nigeria’s Maritime Sector

The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has disclosed that women currently make up 60 per cent of his personal aides and technical assistants, reflecting a deliberate effort to promote gender equality within the maritime sector.

Dantsoho made this known in a goodwill message to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD), noting that he intentionally prioritised gender balance in key appointments beginning with his immediate support team.

According to him, the move highlights the NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and ensuring their continued success across the maritime industry.

He noted that the NPA celebrates the resilience, dedication and invaluable contributions of women working across various aspects of the maritime sector, including firefighting, security, piloting, engineering, hydrography, administration and maritime support services such as aids to navigation.

“These remarkable women are excelling even in roles that traditionally demand male-kind of strength.

“Women hold 60 per cent of these roles, with men making up the remaining 40 per cent. This intentional step underscores NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and success across the maritime industry,” he said.

Dantsoho added that the authority remains proud of the achievements of women within the organisation and across the wider maritime sector.

“We salute the remarkable women of NPA and beyond who continue to drive progress, break barriers and shape a more equitable future for the sector,” he added.

Similarly, the director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, said Nigeria’s maritime sector has continued to record progress, innovation and sustainable growth due to the efforts and contributions of women in the industry.

In his goodwill message to mark the occasion, Mobereola celebrated the strength, expertise and invaluable roles women play across Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem.

“I celebrate your strength, expertise, and invaluable contributions to our maritime industry. The theme #GiveToGain reflects your daily impact,” he said.

“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.”

The NIMASA boss commended the dedication and growing influence of women in the maritime sector, noting that their increasing participation continues to strengthen the industry’s development.

He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to building a more inclusive maritime environment, stressing that NIMASA remains focused on creating opportunities for women to lead, innovate and thrive within the industry.

International Women’s Day is a global observance that celebrates the achievements of women while highlighting persistent challenges and the need for greater gender equality.

This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasises the importance of investing in women through access to resources, education and mentorship.

The theme underscores the idea that empowering women creates broader societal benefits, as economies, communities and workplaces grow stronger when women thrive.