FG approves night duty for APM Terminals female workers

APM Terminals Apapa has said that the Federal Government has approved the hiring of women to work the night shift in its terminal.

The concessionaire said this would further aid its efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion within its organisation.

The Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Mrs Omoabie Udeme-Akpan, signed the grant of permit order in January, based on sufficient physical provisions and the APMT’s robust maternity policy, a statement from the concessionaire indicated on Monday.

It said the ministry’s order also required the terminal to comply with the provisions of Convention 171 or the Night Work Convention of the International Labour Organisation, a United Nations specialised agency aimed at promoting rights at work, encouraging decent employment opportunities, enhancing social protection, and strengthening dialogue on work-related issues.

Head of Human Resources, APMT, Aniemeka Umeonyido, said, “APM Terminals is deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion across the organisation and we are delighted to have the support of the government in cultivating this culture.

“Securing this permit is an important first step in building an inclusive workplace where all talents have the same opportunity to grow and achieve their full potential.”

According to the statement, APMT filed the permit application in April 2018, adding that many qualified female employees over the years had indicated interest and willingness to work the night shift but that a provision in Nigeria’s Labour Act prohibits night work for women in an industrial setting.

Umeonyido said, “With the permit, we anticipate an increase in the number of female candidates for posted vacancies.

“In fact, a female candidate has been considered as the top choice in a pool of applicants for the role of Reach Stacker and Empty Handler Operator, who operate yard handling equipment for moving containers between vessels and yard operations.

“Our immediate focus is clear, to tap into a broader and more diverse pool of talents and create a globally competitive organisation.”