Terminal operator rolls out empowerment programme for women

In a bold move to bridge the gender gap in Nigeria’s engineering workforce, WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has unveiled the EngineerHer programme—its inaugural diversity-driven initiative aimed at empowering young female engineering graduates and increasing female representation in technical roles.

The company announced on Wednesday that the first cohort of the programme includes eight promising female engineers, who will undergo a one-year intensive training comprising technical skill-building, mentorship, and leadership development.

Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The EngineerHer programme is a key component of WACT’s broader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) agenda. According to the terminal operator, the initiative not only supports gender equity in the workplace, but also strengthens local talent pipelines in its host communities and beyond.

Despite accounting for nearly 50% of Nigeria’s population, women represent only 5% of practicing engineers, according to 2024 data from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)—a stark reality that programmes like EngineerHer seek to address.

“The EngineerHer programme is more than just a programme. It is a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” said Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria.
“We are proud to create a platform where women can thrive, lead, and shape the future of engineering.”

He added that participants will receive on-the-job training to prepare them for careers at WACT or within other multinational engineering firms.

Laying the Foundation for a More Inclusive Industry

Chinelo Obienyem, Senior People Business Partner at WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, underscored the importance of the initiative in driving industry-wide change.

“By providing opportunities for female engineers to develop their skills, gain industry experience, and build their networks, we aim to increase representation at WACT and across the sector,” she said.
“The EngineerHer programme reflects our commitment to building a workplace where everyone can thrive.”

A Dream Realised

For many participants, EngineerHer is more than a training—it’s a lifeline. One of the beneficiaries, Margaret Jiji Seignure, expressed gratitude for the opportunity:

“As a female engineer, I feared not being able to practise my profession due to lack of opportunity. EngineerHer came as a dream come true. I saw fairness in its raw form during the selection process and feel privileged to explore my field.”

Looking Ahead

WACT’s EngineerHer is positioned not only as a corporate initiative, but as a movement—one that challenges existing norms and opens doors for a new generation of women in engineering across Nigeria.