The Bayelsa State government has reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to build an inclusive blue economy that expands opportunities for women, coastal communities and participants across the maritime value chain.
The pledge was made on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the African Women in Maritime (WIMAfrica) Nigeria Chapter to the state Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Yenagoa.
Receiving the delegation, the Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, said the ministry remained open to strategic partnerships that advance sustainable maritime development and social inclusion.
She insisted that an inclusive blue economy extends beyond the extraction of ocean and marine resources, stressing the need for gender balance, community participation, skills development and sustainable livelihoods, particularly for people in coastal and riverine areas.
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According to the commissioner, social sustainability sits at the core of the ministry’s policy direction, recognising women’s existing roles in fisheries, fish processing, marine trade and other ocean-based activities, while creating pathways for stronger participation and leadership within the sector.
Zibs-Godwin added that the approach aligns with the Assured Prosperity Agenda of Governor Douye Diri, which prioritises people-centred development, institutional strengthening and sustainable economic opportunities.
The President of WIMAfrica Nigeria, Theodora Nwaeze congratulated the commissioner on her leadership and said the association was keen to forge a strong partnership with the ministry.
Nwaeze stressed that WIMAfrica promotes women’s participation in the maritime industry through advocacy, mentorship, professional development and capacity building across the value chain, adding that the visit also served to introduce the association’s new leadership team.
The visit concluded with Zibs-Godwin being named an Ambassador of WIMAfrica, in recognition of her leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for women in the maritime and blue economy sector.