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The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to driving the maritime industry’s transition to net-zero emissions, while endorsing former Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, for urging African leaders to translate maritime policies into concrete action.
The Association gave the endorsement following Dr. Peterside’s keynote presentation titled, “Maritime Policy, Net-Zero Transitions and Trade in Africa: Bridging the Gap Between What Africa Signs and What Africa Builds,” where he challenged governments, regulators and industry stakeholders across the continent to move beyond policy declarations and focus on implementation.
Reacting to the keynote, President of WISTA Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani, described the presentation as timely, insightful and action-oriented, noting that Dr. Peterside’s emphasis on execution, innovation, institutional capacity and strategic investment reflects the Association’s long-standing advocacy for sustainable maritime development.
According to her, Africa’s maritime sector can only remain globally competitive by embracing cleaner technologies, stronger collaboration, green financing, capacity building and inclusive leadership.
“WISTA Nigeria fully aligns with Dr. Peterside’s call for modern and efficient ports, cleaner shipping corridors, stronger indigenous shipping capacity and deliberate investment in maritime human capital. These are fundamental pillars for building a resilient, environmentally responsible and globally competitive African maritime industry,” she said.
Dr. Ani reiterated that WISTA Nigeria remains committed to supporting initiatives that accelerate maritime decarbonisation, strengthen policy implementation, promote innovation and empower women professionals to play a greater role in advancing Africa’s blue economy.
She added that the Association will continue to champion partnerships that support the industry’s transition towards sustainability while creating opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s net-zero ambitions.
WISTA Nigeria also praised Dr. Peterside’s call for bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation, describing it as a practical roadmap for unlocking the full potential of Africa’s maritime sector under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Association maintained that effective execution of maritime policies, backed by strategic investments and institutional reforms, will position Africa as a major player in sustainable global shipping and trade while enhancing regional economic integration.
As global shipping accelerates efforts towards decarbonisation, WISTA Nigeria reaffirmed its resolve to remain at the forefront of advocacy for sustainable maritime practices, gender inclusion, innovation and climate-resilient policies that will shape the future of Africa’s maritime industry.SEO Title: WISTA Nigeria Reaffirms Net-Zero Commitment, Backs Dakuku Peterside’s Maritime Vision for Africa.
