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The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, has pledged support for the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference and confirmed her participation in the continental event scheduled to hold in Lagos later this month.
The visit was part of WISTA Nigeria’s stakeholder engagement efforts ahead of the conference, which is expected to attract policymakers, maritime industry leaders, regulators, development partners, academics and professionals from across Africa.
Speaking during the visit, Ani formally invited the Deputy Speaker and women across Lagos State to participate in the conference slated for June 25 and 26, 2026, at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
She said the conference, themed “From Policy to Implementation: Women Advancing Africa’s Blue Economy through Sustainable Shipping, Trade and Energy Innovation,” would focus on practical strategies for translating policy into action while expanding opportunities within Africa’s blue economy.
According to Ani, WISTA Nigeria, the Nigerian chapter of the global Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, remains committed to advancing women’s participation, leadership and capacity development across the maritime, shipping, logistics, trade and energy sectors.
She noted that Lagos occupies a strategic position in Africa’s maritime landscape and said the involvement of women leaders in the state would strengthen ongoing efforts to promote greater female representation in decision-making, innovation and economic empowerment.
“The support and participation of women leaders in Lagos State will enrich discussions and help advance the drive for greater female representation and inclusion across Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors,” she said.
Ani also sought the support of the Lagos State House of Assembly in mobilising women across the state to participate in the conference, describing it as a platform for shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Africa.
Responding, Meranda expressed delight at receiving the WISTA Nigeria delegation and commended the association’s contributions to promoting women in the maritime industry.
She noted her longstanding relationship with WISTA and welcomed the opportunity to support an initiative focused on expanding opportunities for women within the blue economy value chain.
The Deputy Speaker subsequently confirmed her attendance at the conference and pledged support for efforts aimed at advancing women’s participation in the maritime sector.
The conference is expected to bring together delegates from across Africa and beyond to discuss sustainable shipping, trade facilitation, energy innovation, gender inclusion and strategies for accelerating the growth of Africa’s blue economy.
