I started working in Nigeria in November 2011. The first time I traveled by car to the NWDM shipyard, I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was garbage everywhere, on the road and in the gutters, in all shapes and sizes. Vehicles that break down in the middle of the road are just left there to rust. When I arrived at the NWDM shipyard, I was then amazed at the contrast: everything was clean, organized and well-kept. It’s a question of good housekeeping, which for me means having a place for everything and keeping it there. That way you can optimize production and reduce the risk of
accidents. Here in Nigeria, the word ‘housekeeping’ is not yet part of everyone’s vocabulary, not out of unwillingness, but ignorance. We’re trying to change that. When I see a bunch of welders leaving their things blocking the escape routes out of their work area, I try to explain to them the dangers and the possible consequences
of their actions. That’s how we’re trying to increase awareness.

‘Housekeeping’ has been included in the 2012 NWDM SHE targets. NWDM is doing its part outside the port area, too: during the monthly ‘Sanitation Day' in Warri, we send in our machinery and staff to help out in the community. You have to teach by example!