APM Terminals Apapa has launched a Female Mechanic Technical Skills Programme to empower women in its host communities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility commitments.
In a statement on Wednesday, the terminal operator stated that the inauguration, which took place at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, was attended by beneficiaries, community representatives, and industry leaders.
Speaking at the event, the Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, congratulated the 20 young women, aged between 18 and 26.
He said the beneficiaries were selected “after demonstrating determination and commitment during the application process.”
APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has been a cornerstone of the Lagos Port Complex since 2006. As part of the global APM Terminals network, which operates in more than 40 countries, it has invested significantly in modern equipment, technology, and workforce development.
Beyond its role in trade facilitation, the company has a strong record of community engagement, from health and educational support to pioneering initiatives such as training female crane operators.
To support the participants, the company provided protective work gear, including overalls, safety boots, helmets, and gloves.
He emphasised that education and personal development are essential drivers of progress.
Knudsen advised that stepping into a traditionally male-dominated profession requires courage and resilience.
While acknowledging that women remain under-represented in technical and operational roles at the port, he stressed that the new “initiative would help create an inclusive environment where both men and women can thrive without discrimination.”
Knudsen encouraged the trainees to dedicate themselves fully to the programme, adding that he hoped to see many of them return for internships at APM Terminals Apapa as part of efforts to build a more diverse workforce.
He urged the young women to prioritise their safety while proving their capabilities in the workplace, reminding them that resilience, self-belief, and bravery would be key to succeeding in their chosen fields.
Earlier, the president of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engineer Sandra Aguebor, commended APM Terminals Apapa for sponsoring the training and equipping the participants with the resources needed to excel.
She noted that women have a critical role to play in today’s rapidly evolving and increasingly automated industries and should be allowed to contribute meaningfully.
“The initiative is not only about technical skills but also about offering young women an alternative to negative societal pressures,” she said.
She explained that the six-month programme would cover forklift and crane maintenance, automobile mechanics, electrical works, and related skills, blending practical workshop experience with classroom-based theory and peer learning.
She expressed gratitude to APM Terminals Apapa for also providing stipends to the trainees, describing the gesture as an invaluable source of motivation and encouragement.
