First Female Mechanic Hails APM Terminals’ Women Empowerment Drive

Nigeria’s first female mechanic and President of the Lady Mechanic Initiative, Engineer Sandra Aguebor, has commended APM Terminals Apapa for pioneering the Female Mechanic Technical Skills Programme, which aims to empower women in its host communities.

LEADERSHIP reports that the training is part of APM Terminals Apapa Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments.

However, speaking at the official inauguration of the female Mechanic Technical Skills Programme at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, on Wednesday, Aguebor 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.

Aguebor who commended APM Terminals for sponsoring the training and equipping the participants with the resources needed to excel.

She noted that the initiative was  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.

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.

The company provided protective work gear to support the participants, 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.

The beneficiaries themselves expressed their gratitude. Some spoke of the training as a life-changing opportunity to secure employment. In contrast, 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.