In a move to deepen collaboration and promote gender inclusion in Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Maritime Police Command, Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, AIG Musa Yusuf Garba, on Friday, 9th May 2025, hosted a delegation from the Women in Maritime of West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA), Nigeria Chapter.

The delegation, led by the President of WIMOWCA-Nigeria, Mrs. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, paid a courtesy visit to the Command to commend its efforts in tackling maritime crime and to advocate for the increased participation of women in maritime law enforcement. She applauded the Command’s dedication to safeguarding Nigeria’s waterways despite prevailing challenges and emphasized the importance of gender equity within the security structure.

WIMOWCA-Nigeria is the national arm of a regional organization established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2021 to promote diversity, inclusion, and the empowerment of women in the maritime industry. The group plays a key role in driving the IMO’s global vision of equitable representation and advancement for women in maritime professions.

In his remarks, AIG Musa Yusuf Garba assured the delegation of the Command’s alignment with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s vision of a more inclusive Nigeria Police Force. He noted that the Maritime Police Command has continued to implement this vision by placing women in key leadership positions within its ranks.

He further stated that the Command is open to strategic collaboration with WIMOWCA and other stakeholders in the maritime sector, particularly in organizing capacity-building programmes for officers and personnel. According to him, such training and engagements would enhance the operational capabilities of the Maritime Police and support its mission to secure lives and property within Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The visit was seen as a progressive step toward institutional collaboration and gender inclusiveness in maritime security operations. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Police Command, ASP Adebayo Rasheed, confirmed the visit and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and strengthening partnerships that foster sustainable maritime security in Nigeria.