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A veteran maritime lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jean Chiazor Anishere, has called on women in the maritime industry to move beyond celebration and become deliberate architects of opportunities for the next generation.
Speaking at an International Women’s Day 2026 Lunch Hour event jointly organised by Waterside Centre NG and Integrated Oil & Gas Ltd in Apapa, Anishere delivered a message that blended mentorship, ambition and self-reflection.
Addressing participants as guest speaker, the Ofianyi Chambers lead partner stressed that women must become intentional about opening doors for younger professionals entering the industry.
Anishere, who is also President of Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), stressed that real progress will only happen when women actively promote inclusion, leadership and knowledge-sharing across every segment of maritime.
She urged the participants not to treat the celebration as a one-day event but as a reminder to constantly challenge themselves.
Anishere emphasised the importance of self-appraisal, encouraging women to regularly evaluate their achievements, set new targets and take responsibility for their own growth rather than waiting for organisations to validate them.
The senior lawyer also challenged women to think beyond the usual question of purpose. Instead, she urged them to focus on “what next,” insisting that ambition, consistency and self-confidence are essential tools for breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
While praising organisations that continue to support women and the girl-child, she said the momentum must be sustained by women themselves.
She equally expressed excitement at the growing number of female seafarers, maritime administrators, lawyers, journalists and industry leaders who are helping shape safer waters in line with the vision of the International Maritime Organization.
For Anishere, women in maritime must not only celebrate progress but deliberately chart a stronger and more inclusive future for those coming behind them.
