IWD 2026: NSC boss Akutah applauds women breaking barriers in Nigeria’s maritime industry

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, has paid tribute to women in Nigeria’s maritime sector, describing them as vital drivers of innovation, resilience and progress within the country’s marine and logistics ecosystem.

In a message commemorating International Women’s Day 2026, Akutah commended the growing influence of women across the maritime value chain, noting that their dedication, professionalism and leadership are helping to shape the future of the industry

He said women are increasingly making their mark in key areas of the maritime sector including port administration, shipping operations, logistics management, maritime regulation, freight forwarding, marine law and policy development.

According to him, their contributions have become more visible in recent years as they continue to drive reforms, strengthen institutional capacity and promote efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime and logistics environment.

Akutah noted that women have demonstrated remarkable resilience in an industry historically dominated by men, breaking professional barriers and redefining leadership standards through competence, innovation and commitment to excellence.

He added that their influence extends beyond operational roles to shaping policy discussions, strengthening stakeholder engagement and improving the regulatory framework that supports efficient maritime trade in Nigeria.

“Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience and invaluable contributions of women in the maritime industry. Your dedication and hard work continue to play a vital role in the growth and advancement of the sector,” he said.

The NSC chief further observed that women working across ports, shipping companies, logistics firms, regulatory agencies and maritime institutions continue to demonstrate exceptional professionalism while balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities.

He said their commitment to excellence serves as inspiration for younger generations of women who are increasingly considering careers in maritime, shipping and logistics.

Akutah reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to policies and initiatives that promote gender inclusion, professional development and equal opportunities within the maritime sector.

He stressed that creating platforms that encourage women’s participation in maritime governance, trade facilitation and logistics management will not only strengthen the sector but also enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we honour the women who continue to inspire future generations. Your impact is truly immeasurable, and your contributions remain essential to building a more innovative, inclusive and future-ready maritime industry,” he added.

Akutah also urged stakeholders across the maritime and logistics sector to continue supporting initiatives that empower women, promote leadership development and remove structural barriers that limit their full participation.

He emphasized that the future growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector depends on harnessing the talents, ideas and leadership of both men and women working together to build a stronger and globally competitive industry.