By Tunde Ojudun
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has joined forces with the Ghana-based Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) to advance digital empowerment for women in West Africa’s maritime sector.
Supported by Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Inter-Regional Coordination Centre (ICC), the collaboration was formalized during a three-day symposium in Lagos on March 10, themed: “Digitalization and the Empowerment of Women in the Maritime Sector of West Africa: Opportunities, Challenges and Pathways.”
Driving Gender-Inclusive Digital Transformation
NIMASA Director-General, Dayo Mobereola, emphasized that digital transformation is a critical driver for increasing women’s participation in maritime operations. Represented by Chudi Offordile, Director of Finance and Administration, Mobereola noted that automation, smart logistics, and data systems are reshaping the industry, but women remain underrepresented.
“Digitalization acts as the great equalizer, shifting the industry’s centre of gravity from physical strength to intellectual ability and technical precision,” he said.
He highlighted that AI-driven simulations and e-learning platforms now allow women—even in rural communities—to access world-class training, dismantling traditional barriers and opening new career pathways.
Unlocking the Blue Economy
Mobereola described the Blue Economy as a frontier of limitless potential, stressing that empowering women is not only a matter of social justice but also of economic survival. He urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and adopt actionable strategies that enable women to lead the next maritime frontier.
Recalling the 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” he called for inclusive policies that guide digital transformation and ensure women’s full participation in the sector.
In his remarks, Brig-General Zibrim Bawa Ayorrogo, the Deputy Commandant of the KAIPTC, highlighted the significant role women play in shaping the future of maritime security and governance, especially as digital technologies redefine operational landscapes.
Digital transformation, he explained , offers a unique chance to enhance maritime domain awareness and coordination.
“The Gulf of Guinea is a maritime domain of immense strategic importance, rich in resources, and a hub for international trade.
“However, it also faces complex security challenges including piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking.
“Digital transformation presents a unique opportunity to enhance maritime domain awareness, improve coordination, and strengthen response capabilities.
” It is imperative that women are not only included but empowered to lead and innovate within this evolving digital ecosystem, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for inclusive growth and security.
“Women’s participation in maritime affairs has historically been limited by socio-cultural and institutional barriers.
Yet, their involvement brings diverse perspectives and solutions vital for holistic maritime governance.
“Digital transformation can act as a catalyst to break these barriers by providing platforms for education, networking, and leadership development.
” It is encouraging to witness increasing numbers of women engaging in digital skills acquisition, policy formulation, and operational roles within maritime security institutions across the Gulf of Guinea, ” he stated.
Ayorrogo said since 2021, the KAIPTC has dedicated a specialized department to women and youth issues in the peace and security domain, recognizing that diverse perspectives are vital for holistic maritime governance.
He, however, noted that despite the progress made, challenges such as access to technology and digital infrastructure and gender gaps still persist in STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and professional training.
He added that digital threats such as cyber-attacks and misinformation campaigns also pose new risks that require specialized knowledge and vigilance.
To address these challenges, the KAIPTC deputy Commandant called for concerted efforts from governments, industry, academia, and civil society to create enabling environments where women can thrive as digital leaders and innovators in maritime security.
KAIPTC, he announced , is supporting the transformation through research and capacity-building initiatives that integrate gender perspectives and digital competencies.
“Our training programs increasingly emphasize the intersection of technology, security, and gender inclusion, equipping women with the skills necessary to navigate and influence the digital maritime domain.
”Collaboration with regional and international partners is central to expanding these opportunities and fostering networks that amplify women’s voices and contributions.
“Governments in the Gulf of Guinea must prioritize regulatory reforms that facilitate women’s access to digital tools, protect against cyber vulnerabilities, and encourage their participation in decision-making processes. Such policies will not only enhance maritime security but also contribute to broader socio-economic development and peacebuilding efforts in the region.
“Private sector engagement is equally crucial. Technology companies, maritime operators, and financial institutions have a responsibility to invest in women-led digital innovations and entrepreneurship.
“Public-private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge technologies while ensuring they are accessible and relevant to women’s needs and aspirations within the maritime sector, ” he said.