As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments, APM Terminals Apapa has launched a pioneering Female Mechanic Technical Skills Programme aimed at empowering women in its host communities.
The official inauguration took place on Tuesday at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and 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, who were selected after demonstrating determination and commitment during the application process. He emphasised that education and personal development are essential drivers of progress and observed that stepping into a traditionally male-dominated profession requires courage and resilience.
While acknowledging that women remain underrepresented 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.
To support the participants, the company provided protective work gear including overalls, safety boots, helmets, and gloves. Knudsen further 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.
Nigeria’s first female mechanic and President of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engineer Sandra Aguebor, also attended the event and 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 afforded the opportunity to contribute meaningfully. For her, the initiative is not only about technical skills but also about offering young women an alternative to negative societal pressures.
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.
The beneficiaries themselves expressed their gratitude. Some spoke of the training as a life-changing opportunity to secure employment, while others highlighted the importance of proving that women are not inferior in society and can excel in technical and mechanical roles traditionally dominated by men.
Several participants described the programme as a stepping stone towards building meaningful careers and demonstrating women’s ability to meet the demands of technical work.
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.
