Shippers’ Council Boss Celebrates Women Powering Nigeria’s Maritime Growth on International Women’s Day
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, has paid glowing tribute to women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, describing them as critical drivers of innovation, resilience and progress in the nation’s marine and logistics ecosystem.
In a message commemorating the global celebration of International Women’s Day, Dr. Akutah applauded the remarkable contributions of women across the maritime value chain, noting that their dedication, expertise and leadership continue to shape the future of the industry.
He said the Nigerian maritime sector has witnessed growing participation of women in various professional roles including port administration, shipping operations, logistics, maritime regulation, freight forwarding, marine law and policy development, adding that their impact is becoming increasingly visible in driving reforms and strengthening institutional excellence.
According to him, women have consistently demonstrated strength and resilience in an industry historically dominated by men, breaking barriers and redefining leadership standards through competence, professionalism and commitment.
Dr. Akutah stated that the contributions of women extend beyond operational roles to influencing policy conversations, improving stakeholder engagement and strengthening the regulatory environment that supports efficient trade and maritime activities in Nigeria.
The NSC boss emphasised that the maritime industry thrives when diversity, inclusiveness and equal opportunities are embraced, noting that empowering women is not just a social responsibility but also a strategic imperative for sustainable sectoral growth.
“Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience and invaluable contributions of women in the maritime industry. Your dedication and hard work continue to play a vital role in the growth and advancement of the sector,” he said.
He further noted that women across Nigeria’s ports, shipping companies, logistics firms, regulatory agencies and maritime institutions have continued to demonstrate exceptional professionalism, often balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities while still contributing significantly to the sector’s development.
Dr. Akutah said their commitment to excellence continues to inspire younger generations of women to pursue careers in maritime, shipping and logistics, thereby expanding the pool of talent needed to sustain the industry’s growth.
He added that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to supporting policies and initiatives that promote gender inclusion, professional development and equal opportunities within the maritime ecosystem.
According to him, creating platforms that encourage women’s participation in maritime governance, trade facilitation and logistics management will strengthen the sector and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the women who continue to inspire future generations. Your impact is truly immeasurable, and your contributions remain essential to building a more innovative, inclusive and future-ready maritime industry,” he added.
Dr. Akutah also called on stakeholders across the maritime and logistics sector to continue supporting initiatives that empower women, encourage leadership development and remove structural barriers limiting their full participation.
He reaffirmed that the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector depends on harnessing the talents, ideas and leadership of both men and women working together to build a stronger and more globally competitive industry.
