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The Director General of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd) PhD, has called for stronger institutional support, increased participation and expanded leadership opportunities for women in the maritime sector, describing them as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime growth and blue economy agenda.
Udofia made the call in a goodwill message to commemorate the 2026 International Day for Women in Maritime, where he paid tribute to women professionals making significant contributions across shipping, maritime security, port operations, marine logistics, trade facilitation, education and administration.
The IMION Director General said the annual observance offers an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women who continue to defy stereotypes and contribute meaningfully to an industry historically dominated by men.
He noted that women have steadily proven their competence, resilience and leadership capacity, helping to reshape maritime governance and operations both globally and within Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem.
According to him, sustainable growth in the maritime sector cannot be achieved without deliberate investment in women through training, mentorship, policy support and equal access to opportunities.
“Today, we celebrate the remarkable women whose expertise, resilience and dedication continue to transform the maritime industry. From seafarers and administrators to educators, regulators and entrepreneurs, women are increasingly becoming a formidable force in shaping the future of maritime development,” Udofia said.
He emphasized that gender inclusion should no longer be viewed as an aspiration but as a strategic necessity for industry growth, innovation and competitiveness.
“Empowering women in maritime is not merely about representation; it is about unlocking immense talent, strengthening institutions and driving sustainable development within the sector. We must continue to remove barriers and create an enabling environment where women can thrive and attain leadership positions,” he added.
Rear Admiral Udofia reaffirmed IMION’s commitment to advancing professional development, research and human capacity initiatives that support women’s participation in maritime careers.
He further urged government agencies, maritime operators, educational institutions and industry stakeholders to strengthen collaboration toward building a more inclusive maritime workforce.
“As we mark this important day, let us recommit ourselves to building a maritime sector that reflects equity, professionalism and equal opportunity. The future of maritime development is stronger when women are empowered to contribute fully,” the IMION DG stated.
He maintained that investing in women remains essential to building a more competitive, resilient and globally relevant maritime industry for Nigeria.
