The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the professional growth, inclusion and leadership opportunities of women within the Service, describing women as critical contributors to operational success and national security.
The Navy said it would continue to create an enabling environment where female personnel can build successful careers, take up leadership responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to the defence of Nigeria’s maritime interests.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Naval Transformation and Innovation (CNTI), Rear Admiral Chijioke Onyemaobi, stated this at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), led by its National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim.
The delegation was at the Naval Headquarters to seek partnership and support for the forthcoming Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, as well as explore areas of collaboration between NAWOJ and the Nigerian Navy.
Speaking on the role of women in the Navy, Onyemaobi said the Service remains committed to gender equality, inclusivity and empowering women to attain their full potential.
He noted that the continued recruitment and participation of women in the Nigerian Navy reflects the institution’s recognition of the value female personnel bring to military operations and national development.
“As you can see from our team, this is just a small representation. We still have a lot of our women actively engaged,” he said.
“Some services have stopped recruiting female personnel, but we still do that. It shows our commitment to gender equality, inclusivity and the empowerment of women.”
The senior naval officer disclosed that women in the Nigerian Navy are increasingly taking up strategic roles, including command positions, adding that female officers have demonstrated capacity and professionalism in demanding operational assignments.
He cited the example of a female naval officer who currently commands a ship, describing it as evidence that women are being given opportunities to excel based on competence and merit.
Beyond professional advancement, Onyemaobi said the Navy places strong emphasis on the welfare and wellbeing of female personnel and military families, recognising the critical role women play in sustaining stability within military homes.
He explained that the nature of military service often requires personnel to move frequently, making the support system provided by women invaluable.
“We recognise the contributions of our wives, our sisters and women generally. They keep the military moving because when personnel are deployed and families are stable, officers are able to focus effectively on their duties,” he said.
Another senior naval officer at the meeting stressed that the Navy does not diminish the role of women but remains deliberate about supporting their welfare and ensuring they have opportunities to thrive.
He said the Service understands the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with family stability, adding that supporting women contributes to stronger military effectiveness.
The officer also commended women journalists for their contributions to national development, particularly their courage in reporting security issues and covering challenging environments.
He encouraged journalists to continue promoting responsible reporting that strengthens public understanding of national security issues while holding institutions accountable.
On the Women in Security Summit and Awards (WINSEC) 2026, Rear Admiral Onyemaobi assured NAWOJ of the Nigerian Navy’s readiness to participate in the summit.
He said the Chief of Naval Staff was favourably disposed to supporting the initiative and would provide the necessary backing, including participation by a naval delegation and other forms of institutional support.
Earlier, NAWOJ National Chairperson, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, commended the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism and dedication to protecting Nigeria’s maritime space.
She said the media and security institutions share a common responsibility in nation-building, noting that strategic collaboration between both sectors would promote better understanding of national security issues.
Ibrahim said WINSEC 2026 was designed to bring together security agencies, policymakers, development partners, civil society and the media to advance conversations around peace, security and inclusive development.
She added that NAWOJ was committed to building a sustainable partnership with the Navy through capacity-building programmes, strategic communication initiatives and advocacy around women, peace and security.
She expressed hope that the Nigerian Navy’s participation would further strengthen the Women, Peace and Security agenda and highlight the contributions of women in protecting and building a safer Nigeria.I have shaped it as a women-centred news report rather than a press release, keeping the focus on women’s advancement, leadership and institutional commitments by the Navy.
