Nigeria’s maritime industry is set to witness a landmark convergence of innovation, technology, and women leadership as top female executives and trade experts gather for a high-level seminar on the B’Odogwu digital platform and women’s evolving role in the marine and blue economy.
The event, scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, will explore the theme: “The Impact of the B’Odogwu Digital Platform on Trade Facilitation and Women’s Contributions to the Maritime Sector: Challenges in the New Marine and Blue Economy – How Far, How Well?”
Organised by the B’Odogwu Project Team, the one-day seminar aims to highlight how digital innovation and women’s leadership are transforming trade facilitation in Nigeria’s maritime value chain.
A distinguished lineup of female industry leaders is expected to headline the session, including Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, President, Women in Maritime Africa (WIMAfrica); Princess Chi Eze, Vice President (Seaports), NAGAFF; Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO, Le Look Nigeria Ltd; Dr. Princess Victoria Haastrup, Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Ltd; Chief (Mrs.) Benaldine Eloka, Vice President, Clarion Shipping; Hajia Bola Muse, President, Bomarah Group; and Comptroller Joy Edelduok, Customs Area Controller, KLT Command.
These trailblazing women will share insights on innovation, policy reform, and inclusion in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
The seminar will also feature in-depth discussions on the B’Odogwu digital platform – a homegrown innovation that has been revolutionizing trade documentation, cargo processing, and compliance efficiency within Nigeria’s ports. Customs and freight experts billed to speak include Comptroller Frank Onyeka (Tin Can Island Command), Comptroller Joe Anani (PTML Command), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, President, NAGAFF; and Dr. Segun Musa, Chief Consultant, GTP.
According to a joint statement by the Project Coordinator, Mr. Lod Onyeji, and Secretary, Rev. John Iwori, the seminar will celebrate women’s contributions to maritime growth while assessing digital tools that are reshaping trade facilitation and transparency.
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, will attend as Chief Guest of Honour, while former ANLCA President and Skelas Group Chairman, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, JP, will chair the occasion. Founder of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam, will serve as Father of the Day.
Mrs. Macfoy will co-chair the event alongside Princess Chi Eze, who will be the Special Guest of Honour.
With the convergence of top regulators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders, the seminar is poised to be a defining moment for gender inclusion and digital transformation in Nigeria’s maritime ecosystem-setting the stage for a more innovative and equitable blue economy.
