Nigerdock’s 17m safety hours boost investor appeal, save cost

Since 2014, Nigerdock, a Nigerian maritime company operating an integrated port and free zone in Lagos has maintained a record 17 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI), ensuring that no worker has suffered an injury severe enough to halt operations.

In a sector where downtime due to accidents can mean millions in losses, this milestone has helped the company’s reputation among clients and business partners.

“Good safety statistics reflect a functional and healthy safety management system and are a testament to the good practice of positive safety culture across the organisation, our partners, clients, and vendors,” the company said.

This safety-first approach has also shielded the port operator from disruptions that often plague industrial operations.

In the past 11 years, the company says it has faced no strikes, government-imposed shutdowns, or work stoppages due to safety concerns. That level of consistency is rare in the industry and has reinforced Nigerdock’s reputation as a reliable, well-run operation in the region.

Read also: Employees’ contributions are integral to Nigerdock success – Jarmakani

A feat like this also accompanies financial benefits. Nigerdock told BusinessDay its safety practices have saved it from direct and indirect accident-related costs, including medical expenses, lost wages, insurance claims, legal penalties, and reputational damage.

Fewer accidents also mean fewer project delays and a faster return on investment for clients.

“We are grateful for the continuous vigilance of employees towards preventing disruptions due to personnel injury,” said Simon Husband, general manager, operations.

Nigerdock’s investments in modern technology, workforce training, and risk management helped it get here, it said.

The company credited its success to strict adherence to global safety standards, including Nigeria’s Factory Act 2024, the British Health & Safety Executive (HSE), and U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

“This milestone reflects our prioritisation of workplace safety and our exemplary adherence to best practices in our day-to-day operations,” said Maher Jarmakani, ceo of Nigerdock.

The company also holds an annual HSE Week to deepen awareness and strengthen an incident-free work culture. Such measures have driven confidence in the company’s port operations.

In November 2024, Nigerdock finalised a 45-year concession agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) worth $1 billion to develop and expand the Snake Island Port, an 85-hectare multipurpose facility that hopes to enhance maritime infrastructure and boost economic growth in the region.

The company will hope to sustain its safety record citing ESG and sustainability principles, expanding HSE programmes, and continually upskilling its workforce as sustainable goals.