WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has empowered young women to build careers in the maritime industry through its WACT EngineerHer Programme (WEP).
The company disclosed this during the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the EngineerHer Programme, a one-year initiative designed to equip female graduates with practical skills, industry exposure and clear pathways to employment.
Launched in 2025, the programme aims to increase female representation across WACT while strengthening Nigeria’s local talent pipeline. Through a combination of technical training, hands-on experience and structured mentorship, it equips participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in operational roles.
The first cohort began with eight participants selected based on their potential and commitment to building careers in the maritime industry.
Speaking at the event, WACT’s Senior People Business Partner, Chinelo Obienyem, said the EngineerHer Programme was launched with a clear ambition to increase female representation within WACT and empower Nigerian women with the technical skills and competitive advantage needed to thrive in their chosen careers.
According to her, the programme has already recorded remarkable success, with participants securing employment and scholarship opportunities before completing the training.
She said: “Over the course of the programme, early impact was evident. Two participants secured job and academic opportunities before completion, including roles with multinational companies and scholarship placements.
“Six participants completed the full one-year programme and graduated on June 30, 2026. Some of the graduates have now been appointed to full-time roles at WACT.
“These outcomes reflect both the quality of the training and the growing demand for skilled female engineers in the industry. 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.”
One of the participants in the first cohort, Helen Clinton Okpoo, said the EngineerHer Programme provided a solid foundation for women seeking personal and professional growth.
She said, “I can now navigate the engineering profession with greater confidence and competence.”
Another graduate, Margaret Jiji Seignure, highlighted the programme’s inclusive environment.
“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 invaluable,” she said.
The EngineerHer Programme continues to demonstrate how structured development initiatives can create meaningful opportunities for women while addressing gender imbalance in technical fields.
With the second cohort already underway, the programme is expected to expand its impact, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive workforce in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
