The P&H Nova Group, a key player in Nigeria’s maritime industry, has called for regular training for stevedores and significant upgrades to the handling equipment at Nigerian ports. The company believes that improving these areas is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s ports.
This message was delivered by Prince Hillary Anekwe, Chairman of P&H Nova Development and Procurement Limited, during a media interaction following a staff training programme. The event, titled “Effective Maritime Personnel Operations Workshop,” was held at the company’s office in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The P&H Nova Group, which provides construction, marine, overhaul, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to distinguished clients in the maritime field, hosted this training seminar in collaboration with the Ports and Terminal Management Academy of Nigeria (POTMAN).
The seminar featured insights from industry experts, including Dr. Babatunde Samuel, Rector of POTMAN; Dr. Sampson Chima, Registrar of the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (NIS); Mr. Enenche Adagayi Abraham, a transport and logistics expert; and Mr. Olayanju Damilare, a lecturer at POTMAN.
During the event, Prince Hillary emphasized the importance of regular training for port workers, noting that many employees often lack a comprehensive understanding of their company’s operations. He stated, “It’s common to find that many workers are only focused on their salaries without fully understanding what their company does. At P&H Nova, we make it mandatory for our staff to be well-informed about our operations.”
Prince Hillary also highlighted the broad range of services offered by P&H Nova Group, including the supply of handling equipment and high-quality PPE to port operators in Nigeria and abroad. He stressed that the group’s goal is to provide operators with top-tier equipment to enhance their operations and ensure the safety of port workers.
“We don’t just supply equipment,” he explained, “we also offer comprehensive training on how to operate and maintain this equipment. It’s crucial that workers understand how to use and maintain the equipment properly.”
Prince Hillary further underscored the importance of safety in the maritime sector, advocating for the mandatory use of PPE by all workers. “PPE is essential for safety, especially on waterways. In case of an accident, wearing a life jacket can save lives. It should be compulsory for everyone working in maritime,” he said.
Addressing broader challenges in the maritime sector, Prince Hillary pointed out that Nigeria’s ports often lack the depth to accommodate larger vessels, limiting business opportunities. He called for the construction of more deep-sea ports across the country to decentralize maritime activities from Lagos and stimulate economic growth in other regions.
Mr. James Kitiya, Regional Managing Director of P&H Nova Development and Procurement Limited, also spoke on the need for continuous skill enhancement among stevedores and other port operators. He argued that even experienced workers need regular training to stay updated with the latest industry practices and safety protocols.
“Even if you’ve been working for 18 years, you need to refresh your skills,” he said, suggesting that ports should conduct training sessions at least once or twice a year to keep operators current and address performance issues.
Mr. Kitiya also touched on equipment maintenance, acknowledging that while Nigerian ports are relatively well-equipped, there is still room for improvement. He praised the Lekki Deep Seaport for having the most advanced handling equipment in the country, but noted that other ports need to prioritize regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of their equipment.
“In Nigeria, we often rely on second-hand equipment, but at P&H Nova Group, we don’t buy equipment that is more than 12 years old. We believe in providing only the best quality to ensure optimal functionality,” he concluded.
