Abuja: Stakeholders in the Nigerian Maritime and Energy Sectors have emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in the nation’s ocean economy to fully leverage the potential of the blue economy. They expressed these views during interviews with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, Director of Reforms Coordination and Blue Economy at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), highlighted that the global ocean economy generates over $2.5 trillion annually. She pointed out that the ocean economy is essential for trade, food security, and innovation. Obianyor stressed the necessity of harnessing the capabilities of women to unlock the full potential of Nigeria and Africa’s blue economy.
Obianyor stated, “The ocean economy is a key engine for growth in Africa; but to fully unlock its potential, we must unlock the talents of women.” She noted that the maritime industry remains predominantly male, with women comprising less than two percent of seafarers and about ten percent of leadership roles. However, in Nigeria and West Africa, women are making strides in logistics, administration, academia, and policymaking.
She outlined several principles for gender inclusion, such as leadership for gender equality, inclusive governance, access to resources, capacity building, workplace safety, education in ocean sciences, gendered marine conservation, and community advocacy. Obianyor emphasized that a sustainable and inclusive ocean economy relies on integrating empowerment principles to overcome systemic barriers against women.
Another expert, Capt. Eddidong Akpanebe, identified cultural barriers and gender stereotypes as significant challenges to women’s involvement in the sector. She cautioned that Africa cannot afford to underutilize half of its talent pool. Citing the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs), Akpanebe noted that while the framework provides a corporate structure for gender equality across industries, it needs to be adapted to Africa’s maritime context.
Akpanebe suggested key actions to enhance inclusivity, including embedding gender considerations in blue economy policies, building female talent pipelines, and unlocking capital for women-led ventures.
Additionally, Mrs. Ruth Audu-Nungh, Chairperson of Downstream, Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), noted the historical male dominance in both the ocean and energy sectors. She emphasized the importance of mentorship and knowledge transfer for young women entering the field and encouraged them to remain resilient, develop professional visions, and seek mentorship to succeed in the blue economy.