The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria) has re-elected Dr Odunayo Ani as its president during its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos on April 30.

The meeting brought together maritime professionals, logistics stakeholders, and industry leaders to review progress and outline priorities for the coming year.

Dr Ani, who also serves as Director of Finance at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), was returned alongside a newly constituted executive committee.

Why it matters

The re-election signals continuity in leadership at a time when Nigeria’s maritime sector is pushing for greater global competitiveness and gender inclusion.

Industry observers say WISTA Nigeria has increasingly become a key platform for advancing women’s participation in shipping, logistics, and the broader blue economy.

The association’s decisions could influence policy discussions, professional development, and regional collaboration across Africa’s maritime ecosystem.

Members back leadership after ‘impactful’ first term

The outcome of the election reflects strong confidence from members following what was described as an impactful first tenure.

During that period, WISTA Nigeria recorded institutional growth, strengthened partnerships, and increased its global visibility within the maritime industry.

Members also reviewed and adopted the association’s financial reports at the AGM, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability.

President highlights achievements

In her address, Dr Ani outlined key milestones from her previous term, including closer collaboration with WISTA International and increased participation of Nigerian members in global committees.

She also pointed to advocacy efforts supporting women in coastal communities and the successful celebration of the association’s 30th anniversary.

“We are deeply honoured by the trust reposed in us,” Dr Ani said.

“Our priority remains to elevate the role of women in the maritime industry while strengthening WISTA Nigeria as a platform for professional excellence, collaboration, and impact.”

New executive team announced

The newly elected executive committee reflects a broad mix of expertise across Nigeria’s maritime and logistics value chain.

It includes Captain Edidiong Akpanebe-Sola Obalo as Vice President, Lillian Nneji as General Secretary, Hannah Adaba as Treasurer, and Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike as Public Relations Officer.

Others are Toyin Oyeleke as Assistant General Secretary and Aisha Cole as Assistant Treasurer.

Focus shifts to continental conference

Looking ahead, WISTA Nigeria says it will prioritise hosting the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference scheduled for June 25–26, 2026, in Lagos.

The event, set to take place at Eko Hotel & Suites, is expected to attract maritime stakeholders from across Africa to discuss policy, innovation, and the evolving role of women in the sector.

Experts say such gatherings could help shape regional strategies and foster collaboration in Africa’s growing maritime industry.

Industry perspective

Maritime analysts note that leadership stability within professional bodies like WISTA Nigeria can strengthen advocacy efforts and improve stakeholder engagement.

They also highlight the increasing importance of gender diversity in driving innovation and sustainability in global shipping and logistics.

What’s next

With a renewed mandate, WISTA Nigeria is expected to deepen its advocacy, expand partnerships, and position Nigerian professionals more prominently in global maritime conversations.

The upcoming regional conference will serve as a key test of its strategic direction and influence.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has said digital transformation could play a key role in increasing women’s participation in the maritime industry across West Africa.

The agency’s Director General, Dayo Mobereola, made the call during a regional symposium in Lagos focused on digitalisation and women’s empowerment in the maritime sector.

The event was organised by NIMASA in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Ghana.

Officials, maritime professionals, academics and civil society groups attended the gathering to discuss opportunities and challenges linked to digitalisation in the sector.

Why It Matters

The maritime industry is central to trade and economic development in West Africa, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors.

However, women remain significantly underrepresented in maritime jobs, especially in technical and leadership roles.

Experts say digital technology could reduce physical barriers and create new entry points through remote learning, automation and data-driven operations.

Digitalisation as an “Equaliser”

Speaking at the event, Mobereola represented by NIMASA’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration Chudi Offodile said digitalisation could help address gender imbalance in the industry.

According to him:

“Digitalization acts as the great equalizer, shifting the industry’s centre of gravity from physical strength to intellectual agility and technical precision.”

He added:

“Through digital platforms and e-learning systems, a young woman in a rural West African town can access the same training modules as anyone in the more advanced parts of the world.”

Mobereola also noted that global maritime operations are being reshaped by technology.

“Our maritime sector is undergoing profound transformation driven by digital technologies, automation, data systems and smart logistics.”

He said the changes are affecting how ships operate, how ports function and how maritime administrations regulate the industry.

Regional Security and Inclusion

The Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Zibrim Ayorrogo Bawah, stressed that women must be part of the evolving maritime ecosystem.

He highlighted the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea maritime domain and the need for inclusive participation in shaping its future.

“Women’s participation in maritime affairs has historically been limited by socio-cultural and institutional barriers,” he said.

“Yet their involvement brings diverse perspectives and solutions vital for holistic maritime governance.”

International Collaboration

The symposium was supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and the Inter-Regional Coordination Centre for Maritime Safety and Security (ICC).

Participants explored policy frameworks aimed at expanding women’s role in maritime security, governance and digital operations.

Discussions also focused on training programmes that could equip women with digital maritime skills.

What’s Next

Stakeholders say the conversations from the symposium could help shape new policies to strengthen gender equality across the maritime sector.

Participants are also expected to build stronger collaboration among governments, regional institutions and private-sector players to promote inclusive maritime development.

For West Africa’s shipping industry, experts say the challenge now lies in turning digital innovation into real opportunities for women.

The Nigeria Customs Service has commissioned a new analytics centre at the Apapa Port, aimed at strengthening intelligence-based operations and improving the welfare of customs officers.

The facility, located at the Nigeria Customs Service Apapa Area Command, was unveiled during a ceremony attended by senior customs officials, industry stakeholders and port operators.

Speaking at the event, the Customs Area Controller described the development as a major milestone for the command.

“It is with great joy and profound gratitude to the Almighty that I welcome you all to the flagship Command of the NCS today,” he said.

“We are honoured by your presence to witness a landmark event in the history of this Command. Today, we are not just commissioning a building; we are flagging off a new era of intelligence-driven customs operations and improved welfare for our officers.”

Inside the new facility

The two-storey complex has been named the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi Analytical Arena, in honour of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Officials say the building was designed as a technology-driven operations hub to support modern customs intelligence and border security.

According to the Area Controller, the facility will host several strategic units.

“These include the state-of-the-art Analytics Centre of Excellence, the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), the Command’s Clinic to ensure the health and well-being of our personnel, and other key strategic offices,” he said.

Why it matters

Apapa Port handles a large share of Nigeria’s imports and exports, making it a critical hub for revenue generation and border control.

Customs authorities say the analytics centre will help officers analyse cargo data, detect suspicious trade patterns and strengthen anti-smuggling operations.

“This infrastructure reflects the vision of our Comptroller-General to leverage modern technology and analytics to fight smuggling, secure our nation and facilitate legitimate trade,” the controller added.

Industry observers say improved intelligence systems could also speed up cargo processing and reduce delays for legitimate businesses.

Partnership behind the project

Customs officials said the project was made possible through collaboration with industry partners under the Customs-PACT (Partnership for Cooperation in Trade) initiative.

The Area Controller thanked stakeholders for their support.

“This project is a tangible success story of the Customs-PACT as championed by our CGC,” he said.

“Your collaboration has been instrumental in turning this vision into reality. Your willingness to partner with us demonstrates a shared commitment to building a stronger, safer and more prosperous Nigeria.”

He added that the transformation achieved at the command would not have been possible without stakeholder support.

Recognition for customs leadership

The controller also praised the leadership of the Customs Comptroller-General for prioritising technology and officer welfare.

“I must also appreciate the CGC for your purpose-driven leadership, unwavering support and for prioritising the welfare as well as operational efficiency of officers at the Command level,” he said.

“Naming this building after you is a testament to your dedication to duty and the inspiration you provide to all of us.”

What’s next

Customs officials say the new centre will serve as a model for technology-driven operations across other commands.

They believe intelligence-led monitoring of trade flows will improve national security, boost government revenue and facilitate legitimate commerce.