Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors have called for greater inclusion of women in the nation’s ocean economy, describing their participation as vital to unlocking the full potential of the emerging blue economy.
Speaking on Sunday, Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, Director of Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said the global ocean economy generates over $2.5 trillion annually, serving as a key driver of trade, food security, and innovation.
According to her, Nigeria and other African nations can only maximise the benefits of the blue economy by fully engaging women’s capabilities.
“The ocean economy is a key engine for growth in Africa, but to unlock its full potential, we must also unlock the talents of women,” Obianyor said.
She noted that the maritime industry remains one of the world’s most male-dominated sectors, with women representing less than two per cent of seafarers and around 10 per cent of leadership positions.
“In Nigeria and West Africa, women are gradually breaking barriers in logistics, administration, academia, and policymaking. We now see female ship captains, port managers, and maritime lawyers. Yet, women remain underrepresented in seafaring, port operations, and technical roles,” she added.
Obianyor outlined core principles for gender inclusion, including leadership for equality, inclusive governance, access to resources, capacity building, workplace safety, and gender-responsive marine conservation. She stressed that a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy depends on embedding empowerment frameworks that dismantle systemic barriers against women.
Another maritime expert, Capt. Eddidong Akpanebe, highlighted cultural barriers and gender stereotypes as major obstacles limiting women’s participation, warning that Africa cannot afford to underutilise half of its talent pool.
Citing the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), Akpanebe urged stakeholders to adapt the framework to Africa’s maritime realities, proposing strategies such as integrating gender considerations in blue economy policies, building female talent pipelines, and unlocking capital for women-led ventures.
Similarly, Chairperson of Downstream, Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), Mrs. Ruth Audu-Nungh, noted that both the ocean and energy sectors have long been male-dominated. She emphasised mentorship and knowledge transfer as key tools for empowering young women to thrive in the blue economy, urging them to remain resilient, visionary, and open to guidance.
