NPA Boss Details Deliberate Strategy to Appoint Women in Maritime Roles for IWD 2026
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has strongly reaffirmed its dedication to advancing gender equality within the maritime sector, marking International Women's Day 2026 with a clear statement on its progressive hiring practices.
In a significant declaration, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, explained that the agency is intentionally prioritizing women for key appointments as part of a broader effort to foster inclusion and acknowledge their increasing influence in maritime operations.
Women Dominate Key Aide Positions at NPA
Dr. Dantsoho revealed that women currently hold a substantial majority of positions among his aides and Technical Assistants. Specifically, he noted that women occupy 60 percent of these critical roles, with men comprising the remaining 40 percent.
This deliberate approach underscores the NPA's firm commitment to enhancing women's participation and ensuring their success across the maritime industry, setting a benchmark for other organizations to follow.
Women Excelling Across Diverse Maritime Roles
The NPA highlighted that women within the organization are demonstrating exceptional resilience, dedication, and professionalism in a wide array of maritime operations. Their contributions span several demanding fields, including:
- Firefighting and security services
- Piloting and engineering roles
- Hydrography and technical support
Additionally, women are playing vital roles in administrative duties and maritime-support services, such as aids to navigation, which are crucial for the efficiency and safety of port operations. The authority praised these women for excelling in roles that traditionally require significant physical strength, breaking long-standing stereotypes.
NPA Salutes Women Driving Industry Progress
The NPA extended its commendation to women across the entire maritime sector, emphasizing that their efforts are instrumental in driving progress and shaping a more inclusive future for the industry.
In a celebratory note, the authority stated, "We salute the remarkable women of NPA and beyond who continue to drive progress, break barriers, and shape a more equitable future for the sector." This recognition aligns with global movements toward gender parity and highlights the NPA's role as a leader in promoting diversity within Nigeria's critical infrastructure sectors.



