Nigerian food and beverage company Rite Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equity, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026.

The company joined global organisations marking the annual event under the theme “Give to Gain,” highlighting the role of women in driving inclusive growth, innovation and long-term business success.

Rite Foods said empowering women is not just a corporate social responsibility initiative but a strategic investment in sustainable development.

Women currently hold roles across the company’s manufacturing operations, corporate leadership, brand management, marketing, supply chain and distribution network.

The company said its internal culture is designed to ensure that talent is recognised and developed regardless of gender.

Why it matters

Gender equality in the workplace has become a major focus globally as businesses seek to improve innovation, productivity and decision-making through diverse leadership.

In Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, women’s participation in leadership positions has gradually increased, though industry experts say more work is still needed.

Corporate initiatives such as leadership development, mentorship programmes and inclusive workplace policies are increasingly seen as essential for economic growth and organisational resilience.

Company leadership speaks

The Managing Director of Rite Foods, Seleem Adegunwa, said the company believes inclusive opportunity strengthens business performance.

“At Rite Foods, we believe sustainable growth is built on inclusive opportunity. ‘Give to Gain’ reflects our conviction that when organisations invest deliberately in women through leadership pathways, mentorship, and capacity development they gain stronger performance and long-term resilience.”

The company’s Chief Finance Officer, Mrs. Kudirat Balogun, said the organisation’s commitment goes beyond symbolic celebration.

“Our commitment goes beyond words. We are deliberate about strengthening gender-balanced leadership policies and creating platforms that enable women to grow, lead, and influence decision-making. True empowerment requires sustained action, and we remain steadfast in driving measurable impact.”

Industry recognition

Rite Foods has received several recognitions for sustainability and corporate impact within Nigeria’s FMCG sector.

These include the Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year at the Edge Awards, alongside honours at the Sustainability, Innovation and Social Impact (SISA) Awards and the SERAS Awards.

The company says these achievements reflect its focus on innovation, sustainability and inclusive leadership.

What’s next

Rite Foods says it plans to deepen its commitment to gender inclusion through leadership development, mentorship opportunities and stronger representation of women across key business units.

Industry analysts say such commitments could influence broader corporate policies in Nigeria as companies seek to build diverse and resilient workforces.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says women are increasingly playing key roles across the maritime sector as the agency marks International Women’s Day 2026.

The authority highlighted women working in areas such as firefighting, security, piloting, engineering, hydrography and navigation support services.

Officials say the recognition reflects a broader push to improve gender equality within Nigeria’s port operations and maritime workforce.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s maritime industry remains one of the most male-dominated sectors in the country.

Industry observers say greater participation by women could help address workforce shortages, diversify leadership, and strengthen operational performance in port management.

The Nigerian Ports Authority oversees the country’s major seaports, making its employment policies influential across the wider maritime ecosystem.

NPA leadership highlights gender inclusion

The Managing Director of the authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, said his administration has taken deliberate steps to improve gender representation.

He said the approach was reflected in the composition of his immediate team.

“Women hold 60% of these roles, with men making up the remaining 40%. This intentional step underscores NPA’s commitment to advancing women’s participation and success across the maritime industry.”

According to him, the policy signals the agency’s effort to support female professionals across operational and technical areas traditionally dominated by men.

Women breaking barriers in maritime

The authority praised women working across multiple maritime functions.

These include port firefighting teams, vessel piloting, engineering operations and hydrographic services.

Many of these positions require technical training and physical demands historically associated with male-dominated professions.

Industry perspective

Maritime analysts say gender diversity is increasingly becoming a priority in global shipping and port management.

International bodies such as the International Maritime Organization have previously called for stronger policies to encourage women’s participation in maritime careers.

Experts argue that Nigeria’s ports sector could benefit from similar reforms, particularly in leadership pipelines and technical training programmes.

What’s next

The Nigerian Ports Authority says it will continue to support women across maritime roles while encouraging more young professionals to consider careers in the sector.

The agency also used the International Women’s Day celebration to recognise women who have contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s port system.

The Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has surpassed its 2025 revenue target, collecting N99 billion, exceeding the target of N86 billion by N13 billion.

Deputy Comptroller Wale Moses Adewole, acting Controller of the Command, attributed the success to a dedicated team of officers and strengthened enforcement strategies.

“I am very confident that with the highly professional officers in our command, we will not only meet but exceed the target set for 2026,” Adewole told journalists during a recent media briefing.

Why It Matters

The Oyo/Osun Command’s performance signals a significant boost for Nigeria’s economy, as customs revenue contributes to government funding for infrastructure and public services. Increased enforcement against smuggling also safeguards local businesses from unfair competition.

Adewole highlighted the Command’s special enforcement team, operating round the clock to curb illicit trade and smuggling.

“The Command has raised a tactical and strategic enforcement special team, operating around the clock to curb illicit trade and smuggling activities,” he said.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

Under Adewole’s leadership, the Command has strengthened partnerships with sister agencies and local communities, including traditional leaders, to improve security and revenue collection.

“Collaboration with local communities and traditional leaders has enhanced both security and revenue collection,” he added.

The Command has also made significant seizures of smuggled goods, dealing a blow to criminal networks operating in the region.

Challenges Ahead

Despite these achievements, Adewole acknowledged challenges, including inadequate manpower. He said the Comptroller General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, is addressing this with plans to recruit additional personnel.

“I thank the CGC for the opportunity to serve as acting Controller and for the support given to me and my men,” Adewole said.

What’s Next for 2026

Looking forward, the Oyo/Osun Command has set a revenue target of N137 billion for 2026. With its robust strategies, community engagement, and enforcement teams, the Command is poised to maintain growth and tackle illicit trade more effectively.

Industry Reactions

Experts say the Command’s success demonstrates the importance of strategic enforcement and community collaboration in boosting customs revenue.