I have led key security, infrastructure projects across Gulf of Guinea – Bassey Adie
With a visionary spirit and over 10 years of unparalleled expertise in the marine sector, Miss Bassey Adie has distinguished herself as an administrator of international repute and a go-getter whose life of integrity and hard work is worth emulating.
Adie is an expert endowed with the intellectual prowess capable of effecting a positive transformation in the marine sector of the country as evident in how she has led Loyz Marine Services Limited to become a leader in maritime security, logistics, and risk management. In this interview, the Loyz Marine Services Limited boss speaks to us on pertinent issues as they concern women, career trajectory and her organization, amongst other things. Excerpts:
Background
I hold a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from IE University, Spain, a Law Degree (LLB) from the University of Buckingham, England, and a Diploma in Transport Security from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, among other professional qualifications. My career began with early exposure to marine operations while working in Norwich.
During my time at the University of Buckingham, I launched Loyz’s Hair, an entrepreneurial venture catering to fellow students. After returning to Nigeria, I interned in the Legal Department at Oando before joining Zircon Marine, where I contributed to the introduction of two FSIVs, ‘Blue Daddy’ and ‘Blue Girl,’ in support of Folawiyo Aje’s field (OML 113) production. I later served as the Business Development Manager and Government Relations Lead at Ocean Marine, overseeing business development activities at the Secure Anchorage. In this role, I was instrumental in securing a contract that ensured the Secure Anchorage Area (SAA) was utilized by import vessels on the Direct Sale, Direct Purchase (DSDP) contract between the Nigerian National Petroleum Commission (NNPC) and various trading companies.
With over a decade of experience, I have led key security and infrastructure projects across the Gulf of Guinea, helping to establish Loyz Marine as a leader in maritime security, logistics, and risk management.
I currently serve as the Director of Partnerships & Conferences at the Women in Energy Network (WIEN) and as the Chairwoman of Ethics and Privileges at the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN). My commitment to business strategy and risk management, supported by memberships in several professional organizations, has driven me to make impactful contributions in both the marine and energy sectors.
I am deeply passionate about nation-building, human capacity development, and local content integration, and I advocate for improved policies in these areas. Additionally, I am dedicated to women and youth development through my online platform, She Matters, which supports women in abusive relationships and victims of domestic violence. I also support Let It Shine Academy, a non- profit organization providing free education to children, as I firmly believe that education is the key to economic freedom.
Career choice
My career choices have always been driven by deep-seated commitment to problem-solving and a desire to make a meaningful impact. I approach each situation with the mindset of identifying challenges and exploring how I can contribute to addressing them. This dedication to making a difference, no matter how incremental, has profoundly shaped my professional journey.
My decision to study law stemmed from its pervasive relevance in every facet of life from contracts to legal protections. Although I knew I would not pursue a traditional legal career and chose not to attend the Nigerian Law School, I was drawn to maritime law due to my fascination with marine environments.
Recognizing that over 90% of global trade transpires by sea underscored the vital role of oceans and their ecosystems. The maritime sector’s significance in oil exploration, natural resource extraction, and overall economic activity became increasingly apparent. This realization and my passion for the maritime industry guided my decision to forge a career within it, driven by the belief that it is central to both economic development and addressing fundamental human needs.
Personal values
My professional success is deeply rooted in four core values: Hard Work, Respect, Integrity, and Family, all of which are underpinned by a greater sense of purpose and my unwavering faith in God. I believe that living a life of purpose and relying solely on God has been fundamental to my achievements.
Hard Work is a cornerstone of my philosophy. Success, I believe, is achieved through diligent effort, adherence to processes, and a relentless pursuit of goals. Progress cannot be made through inertia; it requires active, sustained effort. I regularly assess my progress, setting aside time each quarter to review my goals, evaluate my current position, and make necessary adjustments and improvements.
This disciplined approach ensures that I remain focused and motivated, making the attainment of goals more achievable. Respect is another vital value. Respecting oneself and others is essential for building meaningful relationships.
To earn respect, one must first offer it, recognizing the significance of first impressions and the impact we have on others. I believe in serving others with dignity and building strong networks based on mutual respect, which has been pivotal in my professional journey. Integrity is about maintaining honesty and transparency. It is crucial to be clear about one’s capabilities and commitments.
I adhere to the principle of only making promises that I can keep. If we cannot fulfill a commitment, we acknowledge it honestly. Conversely, if we can, we follow through regardless of the challenges. Integrity fosters trust, and clients value working with organizations that demonstrate reliability and genuine commitment. Family holds immense importance for me. I deeply value relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues. Every business exists to address human needs, and our connections with others are central to this purpose. The support of my family, friends, and mentors has been instrumental in my achievements. Relationships, loyalty, and the strength of family bonds are integral to my identity and success. Above all, I strive to live a life of purpose guided by my faith in God as he is the foundation of my success, as it is through His divine guidance that I have been able to navigate challenges and achieve my goals.
How do you assess the performance of women in the Nigerian corporate world in the last decade?
Over the past decade, the performance of women in the Nigerian corporate world has been impressive and transformative. We have seen a significant rise in women stepping into leadership roles, particularly in the finance and energy sectors.
Noteworthy milestones include the appointment of the first female chairman of the NNPC Board and the first female Managing Director of an International Oil Company (SNEPCO). Additionally, there has been a marked increase in women assuming C-level positions and founding their own businesses within the energy sector.
These achievements highlight a positive shift and underscore that women are making substantial contributions to the corporate landscape. Their successes serve as powerful role models for future generations, demonstrating that success is not solely by gender but opportunities exist and can be seized through dedication, hard work, and a strong work ethic.
However, while progress has been substantial, there is still room for improvement. The corporate environment must continue to evolve to support female participation more comprehensively. This involves implementing intentional efforts, such as developing policies and regulations that encourage women’s involvement, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries. Furthermore, the importance of building and leveraging professional networks cannot be overstated. Success often depends on not only who you know but also on how effectively you maintain and utilize those relationships.
In summary, while the strides made by women in corporate Nigeria are commendable, ongoing efforts are required to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. By fostering such an environment, we can ensure that more women are empowered to advance and contribute meaningfully to the corporate sector.
On challenges faced by female professionals in Nigeria
Women in Nigeria face several significant challenges in the corporate world, rooted in deep- seated societal norms and systemic biases. One major challenge is the perception of women’s inherent traits. The unique qualities that women bring, such as emotional intelligence and nurturing abilities, are often misconstrued as weaknesses.
In a predominantly patriarchal society, these attributes are sometimes viewed as vulnerabilities rather than strengths.
This perspective needs to shift. Research has demonstrated that increased female representation on boards enhances performance and fosters a diversity of thought, as women contribute valuable and distinct perspectives. Society needs to appreciate women for their authentic selves rather than reducing them to mere symbols or objects. Abuse, including workplace harassment, is another critical issue that is often underreported but prevalent in corporate Africa.
Women striving for success frequently encounter various forms of abuse, which undermines their progress and well-being. Addressing this problem requires a concerted effort to create safer and more supportive work environments. Additionally, access to financing remains a substantial hurdle. Many women, especially those starting new businesses, struggle to secure the necessary capital. The lack of accessible and supportive financing options can stifle entrepreneurial ambitions and hinder growth.
Providing more tailored financial support is crucial for empowering women entrepreneurs. Lastly, the disparity in opportunities poses a significant challenge. Women entering established industries often face an uneven playing field compared to those who benefited from early incentives. Without equitable opportunities, it is difficult for women to break into and succeed in these fields.
Addressing this issue requires deliberate efforts to create pathways and incentives that support women’s entry and advancement in various sectors. In summary, overcoming these challenges requires a systemic shift in perception, better support structures, and equitable opportunities. By addressing these issues, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the corporate world.
On corporate values responsible for Loyz Marine Services Limited growth
Loyz Marine Services was founded with a vision to become Nigeria’s leading maritime solutions provider. This vision, combined with our steadfast corporate values and the support of our partners, has been crucial to our achievements.
Building a business in Nigeria is undeniably challenging and demands a relentless spirit and determination.
Several core values have shaped our success – Commitment to Excellence: From the outset, our mission has been to deliver exceptional solutions and tackle industry challenges head-on. Our unwavering dedication to high standards has earned us the trust and confidence of our clients.
This commitment is evident in our top-tier maritime logistics and security solutions. Integrity and Compliance: Integrity is fundamental to our operations. We uphold stringent industry regulations and standards, ensuring all facets of our business meet rigorous quality and safety requirements. Our adherence to high ethical standards is essential for maintaining and building client trust.
Adaptability and Innovation: Navigating the evolving maritime industry landscape has been key to our growth. We continually adapt our strategies to address market demands and seize emerging opportunities. Our emphasis on digital integration and advanced solutions highlights our commitment to leading industry innovation.
People-Centric Approach: Our team is our greatest asset. We cultivate a dynamic corporate culture that values individual contributions. By investing in our people and focusing on their development, we consistently deliver high-quality services and build enduring client relationships.
Support and Collaboration: We have greatly benefited from the support of organizations like the Nigerian Content Board, which has advanced female entrepreneurship in the oil and gas sector. Their initiatives, including female-friendly funding and policy advocacy, have been pivotal in creating an inclusive environment and enhancing our industry contributions. In summary, these corporate values have empowered us to navigate challenges and sustain our growth, reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in the maritime sector.
Advice to young women
Stay Focused: Focus is essential for achieving your goals. If I can achieve mine, so can you. It’s important to set clear objectives and diligently work towards them. Avoid expecting things to be handed to you; instead, demonstrate your capability and commitment through your actions.
Embrace Hard Work: Success requires effort. It’s not enough to talk about your ambitions; you must also walk the walk. Be prepared to tackle challenges head-on and show through your work that you are competent.
Prioritize Networking: Building relationships is crucial. You may not always realize it, but people notice and remember your presence. Networking opens doors and creates opportunities. I secured my first job through connections made in my university’s energy club, underscoring the importance of cultivating a strong professional network.
Seek Mentorship and Accountability: Having a mentor or accountability partner is invaluable. A robust support system and regular feedback are critical for growth. I frequently review my progress with mentors and welcome constructive feedback to enhance my performance. Remember, personal and professional development is an ongoing journey.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: Continuously seek knowledge and stay informed about your field. As a woman, being well-informed and skilled is vital. Avoid shortcuts and quick wins; focus on long-term growth and understanding. Knowing yourself and your goals will help you maintain your values and avoid compromising your integrity.
In summary, living a life of purpose and having strong values coupled with Networking, continuous learning and relationship management skills would get you far in life.
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