The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria has hailed the commissioning of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund application portal as a transformative step toward unlocking growth and transparency in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
In a statement issued by its President, Dr Odunayo Ani, the association congratulated the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency for what it described as a landmark achievement in sectoral reform.
The group commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Director General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, for providing leadership that is driving innovation and restoring stakeholder confidence in maritime governance.
According to WISTA Nigeria, the launch of the digital portal represents a decisive shift toward efficiency, accountability and ease of access in the disbursement process of the long awaited Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund.
The association noted that the initiative is expected to remove bottlenecks that have historically slowed access to maritime funding, while creating a more transparent framework for operators and investors.
It further observed that the portal would significantly deepen stakeholder engagement and enhance participation across the marine and blue economy value chain.
WISTA Nigeria described the development as a forward looking intervention that aligns with global best practices in maritime financing and digital transformation.
The association stressed that improved access to funding would stimulate fleet expansion, boost indigenous participation and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness within the regional shipping landscape.
Reaffirming its commitment, the body said women in the maritime industry remain strong advocates of reforms that promote professionalism, inclusiveness and sustainable development.
It added that it would continue to collaborate with the ministry, NIMASA and other stakeholders to advance policies and initiatives that will build a resilient and globally competitive maritime sector.