Business
Experts Commend ACPM On Maritime
A maritime environmental
pollution expert, Mr Kingsley Ajah, has commended the efforts of the African Circle Pollution Management (ACPM) in handling ocean-going vessels wastes.
Ajah made the commendation in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos.
He said that a review of sources of marine pollution showed that ACPM reception facility had worked very well to prevent environmental pollution at the ports.
“The ACPM has expressed professionalism in evacuating wastes generated by ships since its engagement in 2003; it has been working within stipulated environmental protection Convention MARPOL 72/78.
“Compared to what it used to be, a lot of improvement has been achieved concerning management of marine pollution.
“However, there is room for improvement which makes it better for all the stakeholders including the general public because whatever goes wrong in the marine life affects communities of people,” he said.
Ajah said that by managing the reception facility, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the ACPM upheld the trusts of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) of safety, maritime security, environmental protection and human factors in shipping.
According to him, people had become sensitive to the need to manage the marine environment to avert the negative impacts of the challenges of climate change.
“Managing pollution in the marine environment has been taken more seriously because it will always react to foreign bodies in form of pollutants.
“We have been saved a lot of trouble since the ships have a facility to take care of the waste that they generate. These wastes would have gone into the waters but for the reception facility at the ports.”
The Tide recalls that the NPA had in 2013 engaged the ACPM in a private-public-partnership initiative to manage a port reception facility for proper management of ship wastes in international and coastal waters.
NPA General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr Iheanacho Ebubeogu, had in November 2013, said the reception facility was important to control pollution from the source.
He said that waste control from the source was necessary because nature did not mark out management limits for waste from different organisations.
“When the tide flows it can carry any pollution from one point to another. This can cause encroachment, but there should be control from the source or origin of the waste,” he said.
Ebubeogu said that with NPA’s pollution control and management status, it was required to have all facilities to contain pollution from the origin.
He said that the previous pollution control status demanded the NPA to ensure that marine platforms within the environment had the facility to contain pollution within.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
