**How Leaders Can Foster Diversity in Nigeria's Maritime Industry** *By Engr. Charles David Tanko* *Batch XXV Marine Engineering* *Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron*
The maritime industry in Nigeria, despite its rich potential, has remained largely homogeneous for too long. Having spent 18 years at sea as a marine engineer and close to a decade running businesses during my vacation periods, I have had a front-row seat to observe the intricacies of our maritime sector. One glaring observationA is the lack of diversity within the industry. Diversity is not just about ticking boxes for gender or ethnicity; it's about harnessing the full spectrum of talent, perspectives, and experiences that our society offers. To truly elevate the maritime industry, leaders must prioritize diversity and inclusion at every level, starting with cadet training. The ww: Cadet Training The maritime industry is only as strong as its foundation, which, in this case, is cadet training. Our leaders have unfortunately not given this crucial aspect the attention it deserves. The Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, where I had the privilege of receiving my training, h...