Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) Nigeria Chapter has lamented the high cost of doing business in the maritime industry, explaining that a conducive business community is the heart of any economy that seeks to diversify its revenue base.

The president of WIMA-Nigeria, Rollens Macfoy, while addressing journalists in Lagos, charged the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola on the need to create the enabling environment for maritime operators to thrive.

She also lamented the difficulty in registering barges and vessels presently in the country, while urging the minister to create a one-stop shop for efficient barge operations in the country.

Macfoy also urged the minister to deepen his engagement with critical stakeholders in the seafaring space, adding that seafaring is a very lucrative and viable sector that can earn foreign exchange for the nation.

“Seafarers should be critically taken care of. A lot is happening in the seafaring space which is so discouraging and a lot needs to be done because our children are going into these maritime schools,” she lamented.

She, however, commended President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and urged the minister to heed its clarion call for professional recognition and proper placement in the industry.

Macfoy also urged the presidency to remember women while creating appointments and portfolios in the new ministry.

She reiterated that WIMA promotes cooperation and collaboration between national and international organisations to advance Nigerian women in the maritime domain.

She added that the association also maintains the participation of women in all aspects of the blue economy and maritime awareness as well as human capacity building and entrepreneurship.