NPA lauds APMT’s commitment to safety standards

The General Manager of Health, Safety, and Environment at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abdul Sani, has lauded APM Terminal Apapa for its safety standards.

In a statement, Sani stated this during the commemoration of the 2024 Global Safety Day held last week at the premises of the terminal operator in Apapa, Lagos.

At the event themed, ‘Learning is easy if we are curious’ the terminal operator brought together employees, management, and stakeholders to highlight their unwavering commitment to workplace safety.

Speaking during the event, Sani described APMT as a model for other terminals across the country.
“APM Terminals’ commitment to safety is clear in today’s celebration. The terminal is a model for others across the country,” he said.

Corroborating what Sani said, the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Adebowale Ibrahim, described APM Terminal as one of Nigeria’s safest, best-organized terminals even as he reflected on the company’s impact on national terminal safety.

“APMT is setting the standard. Keep up the great work together, we can make Nigeria’s workplaces safer,” he said, reflecting on the company’s impact on national terminal safety,” Ibrahim said.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of APMT, Keith Svendsen, stated that the terminal’s commitment to a safe work environment transcends policies, “it’s a value that guides every action, every single day.”

He emphasised that safety is integral to APMT’s operations, ensuring employees feel valued and protected.
The Terminal Manager at APMT Apapa, Steen Knudsen, said, “When we engage with people, we learn what needs to be known. This knowledge empowers us to solve problems, hone skills, and reduce workplace risks.”

The event celebrated the next generation’s role in safety awareness, with children of employees participating in a safety slogan competition, emphasising the value of nurturing safety consciousness from an early age.

Knudsen awarded prizes to winners, encouraging employees to adopt a childlike curiosity.

The APM Terminals Apapa Training Manager, Chima Anyanwu, echoed this sentiment, urging a culture of openness to learning.

“Curiosity drives technological advancement and innovation, ultimately enhancing safety,” he said, inspiring employees to actively engage with and refine safety protocols.
The Health, Safety, and Environment Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Felix Ugwuagbo, while reminding the audience, especially the frontline workers, that they had a role in safety, said, “Safety is not just the job of HSE teams; each person can make a difference. Start with curiosity; be inquisitive about how tasks are done and explore if there’s a safer way.

“Ask questions; don’t hesitate to raise concerns or seek clarity on safety measures. Seek improvement; always look for ways to enhance safety, no matter how small the change may seem. Cultivate a proactive mindset; being curious and engaged is key to creating a safer work environment for everyone.” He advised workers.

The event concluded with an awards ceremony, recognizing employees who exemplify a commitment to safety. This acknowledgment reinforces APM Terminals’ dedication to a proactive safety culture, celebrating those who prioritize safe practices in the workplace.