Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for urgent measures to dismantle the structural barriers limiting women’s participation in the maritime industry.

The minister emphasized the need for targeted interventions to foster greater gender inclusion within the sector, which remains male-dominated despite its critical role in the national economy.

The push for diversity comes as Nigerian port authorities focus on broader operational reforms.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has recently concluded plans to rally stakeholders within the port corridor to address challenges affecting the ease of doing business.

Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Danjuma has been leading efforts to streamline operations and improve efficiency across the country’s key maritime hubs.

While the minister’s remarks focus on social and structural equity, the timing aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.