NIMASA backs smart port training at APM terminals
By Fredrick Ameh
An official delegation from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), led by the Executive Director of Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jubril Abba, recently toured APM Terminals Apapa to strengthen collaboration within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The delegation included Ibrahim Sidi Umar, Director of Maritime Labour Services; Ada Nnaji, Deputy Director of Compliance, Monitoring, and Enforcement; and Zainab Kyari, Special Assistant to the Executive Director.
The NIMASA team was received by the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamar Aleshar, alongside Government Relations Manager Olayinka Akinlade and Chinenye Mariam Deidei, General Manager of Legal and Corporate Affairs.
During the visit, Aleshar outlined the terminal’s operational structure, noting that the majority of staff occupy high-level technical positions, which reflects the strong capacity of the workforce.
Abba commended the terminal’s professionalism and operational efficiency, specifically highlighting its inclusive approach to capacity building.
He praised training standards that extend beyond terminal employees to include various stakeholders within the maritime ecosystem.
A key highlight of the tour was a demonstration of advanced simulation technology used to replicate real-life port operations, including crane handling, cargo processing, and control room management.
Participants engaged in hands-on training within a controlled environment designed to build technical expertise while minimizing operational risks.
Facilitators guided trainees through real-time scenarios, allowing both new and experienced operators to interact with digital systems that mirror daily port functions.
Industry experts at the session emphasized that safety, precision, and efficiency remain the critical pillars of modern port management, stressing the need to align Nigeria’s operations with global best practices.
The adoption of simulation-based training marks a significant shift from conventional learning methods, offering a more immersive and cost-effective approach to workforce development.
As Nigeria continues to address challenges such as port congestion, stakeholders maintain that sustained investment in technology and human capital will be crucial to building a competitive, digitally driven maritime industry.