Ex-WISTA Nigeria President, Mary Hamman is dead

Former President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Mrs Mary Madu Hamman is dead.

Hamman, who was also a retired Deputy Director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), sources said passed away on Sunday, 27 April 2025, at the age of 64, after a brief illness.

Mrs. Hamman was a significant figure in the maritime sector, dedicating years of service to NIMASA, where she steadily rose through the ranks to become a Deputy Director before her retirement in 2020.

Her tenure at NIMASA was marked by professionalism and a deep understanding of the intricacies of Nigeria’s maritime administration.

Beyond her contributions to NIMASA, Mrs. Hamman was a passionate advocate for gender diversity and empowerment within the shipping and trading industries through her active involvement and leadership in WISTA Nigeria.

As a former President of the association, she championed initiatives aimed at creating opportunities and fostering the growth of women in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Her leadership was instrumental in raising the profile of women in the Nigerian maritime sector and inspiring many to pursue careers within it.

The news of Mrs. Hamman’s passing has been received with shock by colleagues, former associates, and members of the maritime community.