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.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it has reduced the number of checkpoints along the Atan–Idiroko road in Ogun State from 16 to just three in a move aimed at easing cross-border trade and improving mobility.

Officials say the reform is part of broader efforts to remove obstacles that slow down legitimate trade along one of Nigeria’s busiest land border corridors.

The acting Controller of the Ogun I Customs Command, Deputy Controller Oladapo Afeni, announced the change during a media briefing with journalists at the command headquarter.

Why it matters

The Atan–Idiroko corridor links Nigeria with neighbouring Benin Republic and is one of the most important land trade routes in West Africa.

For years, traders and transporters have complained that the numerous checkpoints along the route caused delays, congestion and increased transport costs.

Reducing checkpoints could help speed up the movement of goods, encourage legal trade and improve economic activities in border communities.

Customs: Reform supports trade facilitation

Afeni said the move aligns with the trade facilitation agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi.

He said the reform is designed to remove bottlenecks while still maintaining strong anti-smuggling operations.

“This strategy is aimed at removing bottlenecks associated with trade, strengthening border security, combating smuggling, and facilitating legitimate trade,” DC Afeni said.

He added that the command would rely more on intelligence and coordinated patrols rather than numerous physical checkpoints.

“This development underscores the Command’s commitment to leveraging innovative, intelligence-driven approaches for effective border enforcement and anti-smuggling operations,” he said.

According to him, the three approved checkpoints are located at Ajilete, Ihunbo and Atan.

Traders and residents welcome the move

Residents and business owners in border communities say the reduction in checkpoints could significantly improve economic activities in the area.

They say the long-standing complaints about delays and congestion may finally be addressed.

Industry perspective

Trade analysts say reducing checkpoints is consistent with regional trade goals, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

Experts note that excessive checkpoints often discourage formal trade and increase the cost of moving goods across borders.

By shifting to intelligence-driven monitoring, customs authorities may improve enforcement while allowing faster cargo movement.

What’s next

Customs officials say enforcement will continue through surveillance, intelligence sharing and mobile patrols along the border corridor.

Authorities will also monitor the new system to ensure it does not create security gaps or encourage smuggling.

For traders and transporters, the success of the reform will depend largely on consistent enforcement and cooperation between border agencies.