APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal by volume, has invested over $440 million worth of Foreign Direct Investment from 2006 till date, according to Frederik Klinke, the country managing director of APM Terminals Nigeria.
He said the operator has contributed to the economy by facilitating trade with the rest of the world and developing critical port infrastructure for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.
Klinke disclosed this during the 17th anniversary of the port concession agreement it signed with the Federal Government in 2006 where the operator honoured its founders and 76 pioneer employees.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and other stakeholders have commended the terminal for delivering on the concession agreement.
Mohammed Bello-Koko, the managing director of the NPA, who was represented by Seyi Iyawe, the general manager of Monitoring and Regulatory Services, lauded APM Terminals for fulfilling its concession agreement with the Federal Government and also delivering efficient service at the port.
He assured APM Terminals of NPA’s continued collaboration and support.
“You have transformed the port business and become a force to be reckoned with. Through APM Terminals, NPA has been able to upgrade the port facility. We must also acknowledge the fact that you have been compliant with all the rules and regulations guiding the port. We celebrate your uniqueness and expertise,” Bello-Koko said.
Amaechi Aloke, the representative of the director general of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), expressed delight over the performance of APM Terminals Apapa since it won the concession of the container terminal.
He said the success of the APM Terminals concession, which was the first to be concluded by the BPE in 2006, created the opportunity for the Federal Government to enter into other concession agreements to develop the port and other critical infrastructures across the country.
Read also: Tin-Can Port makes history, receives largest container vessel to visit Lagos
Klinke said the celebration was to thank the Federal Government for granting the port concession and to acknowledge the contribution of its shareholders, staff, and partners to the modernisation of the terminal.
Presenting the 17th Anniversary Photobook highlighting the transformation of the terminal between 2006 and 2023, Steen Knudsen, the terminal manager of APM Terminals Apapa, said the substantial investment made by the company in facility upgrade, training, equipment, and technology has boosted service delivery at the port.
He said the investment made by the operator has led to improved terminal infrastructure, including the acquisition of high-grade terminal equipment such as Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs), Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs), and many others as well as civil works including world standard administrative building with full information technology capacity.
Sune Krogstrup, the ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria commended APM Terminals for being the bellwether of port operation in Nigeria. He assured Denmark, where the Maersk group is headquartered, will continue to deepen its economic ties and relationship with Nigeria.
Temilade Ogunniyi, the commercial manager of APM Terminals Apapa, assured that the company will continue to collaborate with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to build a vibrant economy.
“Everyone has mentioned how APM Terminals Apapa has improved and transformed over the years – we owe that to our valued employees who adopted cultural and transformational changes with open arms through the past 17 years. What you see here is what you see in other terminals be it Europe or America,” she said.
Uzoma Ben-Ude, senior human resources, Business Partner of APM Terminals Nigeria, said a total of 76 employees have been with the terminal since 2006 till date, which shows that the company has people who are not only loyal staff but have been having a mutually beneficial relationships.
