NPA erecting internal structures to empower women, says Dantsoho

Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), says the organisation is committed to women’s equality and empowerment.

Dantsoho spoke at an event to mark the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8, with the theme ‘Accelerate Action for Gender Equality’.

The NPA boss said the agency will not relent in its efforts towards creating opportunities for women and girls to be empowered and reach the best of their abilities, within and outside the organisation.

“For us in the Nigerian Ports Authority, we do not see IWD as another day to pay lip service to women’s rights and economic empowerment. Rather, it is a day to reflect on what we have done and to commit to doing even more,” he said.

“Some of our laudable achievements in this regard include — extension in the period of maternity leave of women to six months.

“Ensuring that getting pregnant out of wedlock does not stop a woman from getting what is due to her.

“Giving nursing mothers the privilege of reporting for duty one hour after the official resumption time and closing an hour earlier than the official closing time every day.”

Dantsoho noted that the agency has made conscious efforts to promote women in leadership positions, while creating an enabling environment for gender equality.

He said despite the feat achieved by NPA, it is not yet satisfied because women and girls are still being subjected to various forms of discrimination, inequality, injustice and abuse because of their gender, in the larger society.

The MD added that the organisation will ensure it provides women and girls with the opportunity to actualise themselves.

“As an organisation, we promise to remain unrelenting in supporting the rights and equality for all women and girls and to practically create opportunities for women and girls within and outside the NPA to be empowered to the best of their abilities,” he added.

“I congratulate all women in the NPA for this year’s IWD and assure you that we will continue to work with you towards putting the Authority in the lead when it comes to providing opportunities for girls and women to actualise themselves in the maritime industry.

“Together, we will accelerate action for gender equality.”