Truck drivers undergo drug tests for port safety

APM Terminals Apapa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has launched a critical drug and alcohol testing campaign targeting external truck drivers. This proactive measure is a significant step towards bolstering safety within Nigeria's busiest port, acknowledging that the well-being of port operations extends beyond the terminal's immediate workforce to encompass all individuals entering the facility.

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We must be certain that individuals operating heavy-duty trucks are fully alert and in the right state of mind. Safety within the port environment depends on this. Regular testing will act as a strong deterrent and help reduce substance abuse among truck drivers. We appreciate APM Terminals Apapa for driving this important collaboration, which aligns with our shared commitment to maintaining a safe port ecosystem.

Lagos Port Manager Adebowale Ibrahim underscored the fundamental importance of driver fitness, stating, "We must be certain that individuals operating heavy-duty trucks are fully alert and in the right state of mind." This emphasis on alertness directly addresses the risks associated with substance abuse, which can lead to severe incidents involving trucks, cargo handling equipment, and personnel. The initiative is viewed not only as a deterrent but also as a crucial component of maintaining a safe port ecosystem.

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We recently achieved a significant milestone of 636 days without a lost-time injury, and our priority is to sustain and build on this performance. Extending safety measures beyond our workforce to include external truck drivers is a necessary step.

Kamal Alhraishat, Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, highlighted this campaign as part of a broader commitment to safety, building on a recent milestone of 636 days without a lost-time injury. Extending safety protocols to external drivers is a logical and necessary progression, reinforcing the terminal's dedication to protecting lives, assets, and infrastructure. The message is clear: a single lapse in judgment, particularly under the influence, can have catastrophic consequences.

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This initiative is about protecting lives, safeguarding assets, and strengthening a safety-first culture across the port community.

The initial results, with three out of 30 drivers testing positive for alcohol, serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge. However, this figure also suggests a potential improvement compared to previous exercises, offering a glimmer of hope that consistent testing and awareness campaigns can indeed drive behavioral change. This collaborative effort between APM Terminals and the NPA exemplifies a shared commitment to proactive risk management and fostering a robust safety-first culture within the Nigerian maritime sector.

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Describing substance abuse among some external drivers as a real concern, he noted that consistent testing, combined with awareness, will help drive behavioural change over time.