Young Nigerian writers have been encouraged to use storytelling to promote the maritime sector as an industry that welcomes women.
The call was made at the 6th Annual Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp held at Apapa Port, Lagos.
Port Manager of the Lagos Ports Complex, Nigerian Ports Authority, Debo Lawal, said participants should use their writing to highlight the growing presence of women in technical and operational positions within the maritime industry.
The 2026 bootcamp, themed Voyages Through Chokepoints: Power, Passage and Life at Sea, brought together young writers, academics, maritime professionals and mentors.
Participants were encouraged to look beyond ships and ports and explore the people, communities, environment and livelihoods connected to Nigeria’s maritime economy.
Professor Adegbite Tobalase, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Adeleke University, urged participants to observe, question and write original stories grounded in authentic experiences.
The organisers said the Maritime Writes Project aims to increase maritime awareness through creative writing and encourage more African writers to explore stories around shipping, coastal communities, oceans and the blue economy.
Since its launch, the initiative has held programmes in Lagos, Osun and Rivers states and produced three anthologies containing 17 stories from previous participants.
