Port Operator Deepens Gender Inclusion With First EngineerHer Graduates

West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to gender inclusion and workforce development with the graduation of the first cohort of its EngineerHer programme, a one-year initiative designed to prepare female engineering graduates for careers in the maritime and logistics industry.

Launched in 2025, the programme was created to increase female representation within WACT while building a strong pipeline of skilled Nigerian engineering talent through technical training, hands-on operational experience and structured mentorship.

The pioneer cohort, which began with eight participants selected for their potential and commitment to careers in engineering, recorded notable achievements even before completing the programme.

According to the company, two participants secured employment and academic opportunities, including positions with multinational companies and scholarship placements, while the remaining six successfully completed the one-year programme and graduated on June 30, 2026. Some of the graduates have also been offered full-time positions at WACT.

Speaking on the milestone, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria’s Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, said the initiative was established to empower Nigerian women with the technical skills and competitive advantage needed to succeed in engineering careers.

“The WACT EngineerHer Programme was launched with a clear ambition—to increase female representation in WACT and empower Nigerian women with the technical skills and competitive advantage needed to thrive in their chosen fields. Participants in the first cohort secured roles and scholarships through this platform.

“We mark an even greater milestone as our participants graduate and some step into substantive roles within WACT. The momentum continues, with a second cohort welcomed on July 1, 2026. EngineerHer is more than a programme; it is a pipeline for talent, a platform of opportunity and a commitment to building a more inclusive and future-ready workforce for WACT and Nigeria at large,” she said.

Participants described the programme as a life-changing experience that equipped them with practical knowledge and greater confidence to pursue careers in engineering.

One of the graduates, Helen Clinton Okpoo, said the initiative had provided her with a solid foundation for professional growth.

“I can now navigate the engineering profession with greater confidence and competence. The EngineerHer programme provides a strong foundation for any woman looking to grow both personally and professionally,” she said.

Another participant, Margaret Jiji Seignure, praised the company’s commitment to inclusion, noting that she was selected despite applying while heavily pregnant.

“I applied while heavily pregnant and did not expect to be selected. Being part of a company that actively supports female growth and inclusion is premium,” she said.

With the second cohort already underway, having commenced on July 1, 2026, WACT said the EngineerHer programme will continue to expand opportunities for women in technical fields while contributing to a stronger, more diverse and inclusive workforce in Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector.