APMT reaffirms commitment to workplace safety

The Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa Limited, Mr Kamal Alhraishat, has reaffirmed the company’s unwavering commitment to safety, describing it as a deeply embedded culture rather than a regulatory obligation.

He made this assertion last week during the commemoration of the 2026 Global Safety Day, themed ‘We Are Safe Together’.

The terminal stated this in a statement obtained by The PUNCH.

Speaking to employees and stakeholders, Alhraishat emphasised that safety extends beyond rules and procedures, noting that it is a collective responsibility that must be observed daily by everyone operating within the terminal environment.

“Safety is not just a checklist or a system we follow; it is a way of life at the terminal,” said Alhraishat, who added that safety means working with genuine care for one another, ensuring that no one operates in isolation and that every individual has the support of a colleague.

“We carry a collective responsibility for everyone within our environment, from our co-workers to contractors and customers, and that responsibility must guide every action we take.”

Alhraishat further highlighted the importance of vigilance and open communication in sustaining high safety standards, urging employees to speak up whenever unsafe conditions are observed.

“In an environment where operational pressures are inevitable, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to safety. Safety must always come before speed, and every individual must feel empowered to stop an operation if something does not feel right,” he said.

He also called for the continuous strengthening of a workplace culture built on respect, trust, and mutual support, where employees can confidently raise concerns without fear, thereby preventing incidents before they occur.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr Frederik Klinke, underscored the role of collaboration in sustaining safe operations.

“Our people are the driving force behind everything we achieve. By treating one another with respect and working collaboratively, we not only enhance productivity but also create a safer and more resilient workplace,” he added.

The Chairman of the Board of APM Terminals Apapa Limited, David Skov, praised the initiative and urged employees to set the standard by embracing personal responsibility for the safety and welfare of others.

The Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Mr Adebowale Lawal, praised the terminal’s sustained commitment to safety, noting that its robust safety protocols have played a critical role in maintaining a secure operational environment.

He encouraged continuous improvement to further strengthen these standards.

In the same vein, the Chairman of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, Remi Ogungbemi, lauded the terminal’s positive impact on port operations, stating that APMT’s presence in Apapa has significantly improved safety awareness and helped curb the so-called “motor-boy syndrome”, thereby reducing fatal incidents along the port corridor.

The Deputy Commander of Narcotics at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr Sani Nahuche, also commended APMT and the Nigerian Ports Authority for maintaining a drug-free operational environment, stressing the importance of strict compliance and sustained vigilance.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a fire suppression simulator by the Asset Maintenance team, designed to enhance fire prevention and emergency response capabilities within the terminal.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding staff members in recognition of exceptional safety performance across various departments, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to embedding a culture of safety excellence at all levels of its operations.