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The President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo B. Ani, has called for deliberate investment in human capital development as a critical strategy for positioning Nigeria as Africa’s leading blue economy nation.
Speaking at the 10th Anniversary of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos, Dr. Ani said Nigeria’s greatest maritime asset is not its strategic location or vast marine resources, but its people, stressing that nurturing a new generation of skilled professionals is essential for unlocking the country’s maritime potential.
While congratulating the University of Lagos, SIFAX Group, partners and other stakeholders for sustaining the conference over the past decade, she described the annual event as a respected platform for bridging the gap between academia and industry while shaping maritime policy and inspiring future professionals.
“The conference has become a respected platform for exchanging ideas, shaping policy conversations, and inspiring the next generation of maritime professionals. That is a legacy worthy of celebration,” she said.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” the WISTA Nigeria President noted that the country’s aspiration to dominate Africa’s blue economy can only be achieved through sustained investments in education, innovation and leadership development.
According to her, WISTA Nigeria remains committed to promoting diversity, inclusion and professional excellence by creating opportunities for women and young professionals across shipping, ports, logistics, marine services, maritime law, finance, energy and other blue economy sectors.
She highlighted the association’s initiatives in mentorship, leadership development, capacity building and strategic partnerships aimed at preparing the next generation of maritime leaders.
Dr. Ani further observed that the global maritime industry is being reshaped by digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, decarbonisation and evolving trade patterns, making it imperative for educational institutions, government, industry players and professional associations to collaborate in equipping young Nigerians with globally competitive skills.
She identified strengthening maritime education and research, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship, deepening stakeholder collaboration, embracing sustainability and ensuring equal access to opportunities as priorities for advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Addressing students and young professionals, she urged them to embrace continuous learning, seek mentorship and pursue excellence, noting that the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry would be shaped by competent, visionary and ethical leaders.
Reaffirming WISTA Nigeria’s commitment to advancing sustainable growth across the maritime industry, Dr. Ani pledged the association’s continued collaboration with stakeholders to promote policies, build capacity and empower future leaders.
She expressed confidence that collective efforts would unlock the enormous potential of Nigeria’s blue economy and firmly position Nigeria as Africa’s maritime hub.
