By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, government agencies among other stakeholders have identified women as critical drivers of economic growth and sustainable development, while calling for greater inclusion in Africa’s maritime industry to unlock the vast opportunities within the continent’s Blue Economy.

They made the call at the ongoing 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference themed: “From Policy to Progress: Women Delivering Africa’s Shipping and Trade Energy Future” held in Lagos.

In his remark, Oyetola called said for urgent action to eliminate barriers limiting women’s participation, saying that women are already making significant contributions across the industry as shipowners, maritime lawyers, court professionals, academics, marine scientists and business leaders.

He said: “The challenge before us is to remove the barriers that still limit participation and to create partnerships that enable more women to enter, thrive and lead within the sector.

“We must invest in skills development, strengthen institutions, leverage technology, deepen regional cooperation, and create conditions that allow women and young people to contribute meaningfully to the sector’s goals.

“Nigeria stands ready to work with our African partners. Development institutions and private sector stakeholders to advance a blue economy that is prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive.”

On his part, Director General/ Chief Executive of Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency, NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola, called for greater inclusion of women in Africa’s maritime industry to unlock the vast opportunities within the continent’s Blue Economy

He pointed out that despite their growing contributions across the sector, women remain significantly underrepresented in maritime professions.

His words: “Women are indispensable drivers of economic growth and sustainable development. Yet. globally, women account for only about 29 percent of the overall maritime workforce and less than two percent of the world’s seafarers.

“In Africa, women remain underrepresented in key maritime professions despite their growing contributions as seafarers, marine engineers, shipowners, lawyers, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers.

“The African Blue Economy is estimated to be worth over $300 billion annually, while Africa’s maritime sector handles approximately 90 percent of the continent’s international trade by volume. “These figures underscore the enormous opportunities available in shipping, port operations, fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, marine technology, coastal tourism, and maritime logistics-opportunities that women must be fully empowered to access and lead.”

Earlier in her welcome, President, WISTA Nigeria, Dr Odunayo Ani, said women across Africa are increasingly taking leadership roles in maritime administrations, shipping companies, ports, logistics enterprises, energy projects and policy institutions.

She said: “However, more work remains to ensure greater representation where critical decisions are made.

“If the 21st century will be defined by the Blue Economy, women must help define its direction”, Ani said.

Dignitaries at the event include: Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Director General/ Chief Executive of NIMASA Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Former DG’s of NIMASA: Mfon Usoro; Dr. Dosumu; Temi Omatseye; Maritime Strategist, Dakuku Peterside; representatives from West Africa Countries; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda; President, WISTA International Mrs. Elpi Petraki, Oniru of Iruland Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal; among other titles chiefs and others.