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The President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, has called for deeper multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive the effective implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking at the 2026 First Quarter Citizens and Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Ani emphasised that policies alone cannot transform the maritime sector without coordinated action across government, industry, and civil society.
Addressing key stakeholders including regulators, port operators, financiers, and maritime professionals; she described collaboration as the “engine of effective policy delivery,” warning that siloed operations often result in duplication, inefficiencies, and weak implementation outcomes.
“The marine and blue economy touches everyone. When stakeholders fail to work together, even the strongest policies struggle at the point of execution,” she said.
Ani observed that the theme of the engagement, focused on enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration, reflects a critical phase in Nigeria’s maritime development, where attention must shift from policy formulation to execution.
She positioned WISTA Nigeria as a natural bridge across the sector, highlighting its diverse membership spanning ship owners, charterers, port operators, legal experts, regulators, and academics.
“WISTA is, by design, a multi-stakeholder connector. We operate at the intersection of industry, government, and civil society, and understand that sustainable progress depends on alignment across these spheres,” she stated.
The WISTA President commended the Ministry’s leadership for promoting inclusive dialogue and evidence-based policymaking, noting that sustained stakeholder engagement is essential for building trust, strengthening institutions, and delivering measurable economic outcomes.
She also underscored the association’s contributions to sectoral development through capacity building, advocacy, and strategic engagement initiatives, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Ministry’s vision for a globally competitive and sustainable blue economy.
Ani urged participants to maximise the engagement platform by sharing insights, asking critical questions, and forging partnerships that extend beyond the forum.
“We must move from conversations to coordinated action. The success of Nigeria’s blue economy will depend on the strength of the partnerships we build today,” she said.
