Maritime Bootcamp Promotes Inclusivity in Nigeria's Sector

At the 2026 Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp held at Apapa Port, Lagos, Mr Debo Lawal, the Port Manager of the Lagos Ports Complex, Nigerian Ports Authority, urged participants to advocate for an inclusive maritime sector. He noted the growing participation of women in traditionally male-dominated roles, citing that over 10 women operate cranes at the Lagos port and that female tugboat pilots are also present.

The bootcamp, themed ‘Voyages Through Chokepoints: Power, Passage and Life at Sea’, gathered young writers, maritime stakeholders, and academics. Prof. Adegbite Tobalase, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Adeleke University, encouraged participants to develop their voices through maritime storytelling.

Mr Akanbi Williams from the International Ocean Institute-Nigeria Centre praised the initiative for blending creative writing with maritime exposure. Project Coordinator Ezinne Azunna stated the program aims to connect young writers with maritime professionals, enhancing their storytelling grounded in real industry experiences.

Alumni Uche Ohiaeri shared how the program transformed her interests from writing to environmental conservation.