The DG NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that active women participation is fundamental to the growth of the maritime industry. Peterside stated this at a Business Luncheon and 25th Anniversary of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association WISTA.

The event held in Lagos with the theme, “Balancing the Gender Gap in Maritime Participation.”

Represented by the agency’s Director of Human Resources, Hajia Jumai Musa, the DG emphasised the need for more awareness to enlighten the younger women to take up careers in the maritime industry. He said women had been playing a significant roles in the industry, but stressed that more participation was needed.

“We should contribute our quotas to the effort to bridge the gender gap in the maritime industry. This will be good for the sector and the economy, generally, as it is common knowledge that women usually do all it takes to excel when given the opportunity”, the DG said.

In her opening remarks, the President of WISTA Nigeria, Mrs. Mary Hamman, expressed satisfaction with the association’s moves to empower women at the grassroots to be self-reliant. Hamman, who is also Assistant Director, Shipping Promotion, at the Agency, said WISTA had strategised on how to carry out outreaches to create awareness and encourage the youth, particularly women, to take advantage of opportunities in the maritime industry.

Also speaking at the occasion, Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, pointed out that WISTA had actually created a foundation to encourage people to invest in the fishing sub-sector.

Ogbeifun said, “I am always encouraged reading everything you are doing in empowering women in fishing as well as educating young girls. It may look as if it is a small thing, but the women are playing the role of caring for their families.”