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The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Africa has reinforced its commitment to stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Navy following a high-level courtesy visit to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Abubakar Mustapha, GSS, and a familiarisation tour of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) KADA in Lagos.
The 45-member delegation visited the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command in Apapa on Friday, where discussions focused on maritime security, women’s inclusion in the maritime industry, and advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
Welcoming the delegation, Rear Admiral Mustapha commended WISTA Africa for its sustained contributions to the maritime sector through professionalism, capacity development, and advocacy for greater female participation in shipping and maritime operations.
He stressed the need for increased inclusion of women across the maritime value chain while reaffirming the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with key industry stakeholders to enhance maritime security and support the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, WISTA Nigeria Public Relations Officer and Director General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Mrs. Vivian Chimezie Azuibike, applauded the Nigerian Navy—particularly the Western Naval Command—for its unwavering efforts in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
She reiterated WISTA Africa’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the Command in promoting a safer and more prosperous maritime industry. The delegation also presented a commemorative souvenir to the Flag Officer Commanding on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, AM, as a symbol of appreciation and continued partnership.
The visit continued aboard NNS KADA, where members of the delegation received a comprehensive safety briefing and an overview of the vessel’s operational capabilities and strategic roles in maritime security. They later toured selected sections of the warship, gaining firsthand insight into the Nigerian Navy’s operational readiness and capabilities.
The engagement concluded with the exchange of souvenirs, a group photograph, and the safe disembarkation of the delegation, underscoring the growing partnership between WISTA Africa and the Nigerian Navy in advancing maritime security, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable blue economy development in Nigeria and across Africa.
