NPA is closing gender gap, says Olotu

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is currently closing the gender gap in order to give females more opportunities to partake in the quest to reposition the nation’s maritime sector.

Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Mrs Olufunmilayo Olotu, who disclosed this recently said although women have contributed to the growth of the sector, more females need to professionally distinguish themselves if equality for all at the workplace would be realized.

Olotu, among other stakeholders who spoke at the celebration of the 2020 International Women’s Day tagged “I am Generation Equal”, in Lagos, said capacity development programmes and other self-improvement routines for females would close the gap of gender inequality in the nation’s maritime sector.

She said there is room for women to be outstanding and to hold leadership positions in the industry but that this can only be gotten through hard work and self-development.

Citing examples from the Nigerian Ports Authority administration led by Hadiza Bala Usman, Olotu said the contributions of the Management in realizing gender equality is glaring and impressive.

She said the first female General Manager Marine and Operations in the 64-year history of NPA was appointed at the watch of Bala Usman as well as many other females who today hold various responsibilities in the port industry.

Olotu who noted the importance of the #EachforEqual advocacy also called on stakeholders to emulate the NPA management and give female professionals a chance, as their contributions will advance the sector.