The P&H Nova Group, a key player in Nigeria’s maritime industry, has called for the regular training of stevedores and significant upgrades to handling equipment at Nigerian ports. The group emphasized that ongoing training, proper equipment maintenance, and strict safety compliance are essential for improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the nation’s ports.
This appeal was made by Prince Hillary Anekwe, Chairman of P&H Nova Development and Procurement Limited, during a media interaction following a staff training program titled “Effective Maritime Personnel Operations Workshop,” held at the company’s office in Lagos.
Prince Anekwe highlighted the critical need for regular training among port operators, pointing out that many employees often lack a thorough understanding of their company’s operations. “It is quite common that many companies, when you go into their offices and interview their workers, you will find that almost 50 or 60 percent of workers don’t know what the company does. They are only interested in their salary. But we make it mandatory that people working with us have to know what we’re doing,” he remarked.
He also discussed the wide range of business activities conducted by P&H Nova Group, including the procurement and supply of handling equipment to port operators in Nigeria and abroad. “Our goal is to ensure that these operators have access to the best quality equipment needed to enhance their operations,” Anekwe explained.
In addition to equipment supply, the group provides high-quality Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of port workers. “We have partnerships with several companies in Asia known for producing top-tier PPE products,” Anekwe added.
Training is a central aspect of P&H Nova’s business model. Anekwe stressed the importance of educating port workers not only on how to operate the equipment but also on maintaining it to ensure longevity and safety. “We don’t just supply equipment; we also offer comprehensive training services for port workers on how to operate and maintain this handling equipment,” he stated.
He concluded by underscoring the value of professional development in cultivating a knowledgeable and motivated workforce. “We believe bringing in more professional people to lecture the port workers is important,” Anekwe said, expressing his satisfaction with the workshop’s success.
