Since the port concession in 2006, APM Terminals said it had invested over $440 million in the Apapa ports.
In a statement, the Country Managing Director of APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr Frederik Klinke, said this recently while celebrating the 17th anniversary of the port concession agreement it signed with the Federal Government in 2006.
Klinke disclosed the firm also used the occasion to honour its founders and 76 pioneer employees.
He thanked the Federal Government for granting the port concession and acknowledged the contribution of its shareholders, staff and partners to the modernization of the terminal.
Klinke said the concession enabled APM Terminals to develop the critical port infrastructure for the benefit of the Nigerian economy.
“Importantly as well, it offers us an opportunity to recognise the men and women, who through their daily efforts in the terminal, ensure cargo keeps flowing to and from importers and exporters, consumers and producers in the country. Since 2006, the employees of APM Terminals Apapa have been responsible for this critical task and while doing so, not only contributed to the economy by facilitating growing trade with the rest of the world but also through the more than $440m worth of foreign direct investment done in the terminal.
“And most importantly, through the training and development of young Nigerians to take on increasingly senior roles in the company and further in the industry,” he said.
Also, the Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Mr Steen Knudsen, said the substantial investment made by the company in facility upgrade, training, equipment and technology had boosted service delivery at the port.
“For APM Terminals Apapa, it has been a success story of transformation, improved efficiency, innovation, and value-added service,” Knudsen said.
He said the investment by APM Terminals Apapa has led to improved terminal infrastructure, including the acquisition of high-grade terminal equipment such as Mobile Harbour Cranes, Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes, and many others as well as civil works including a world-standard administrative building with full information technology capacity.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, in his goodwill message delivered by NPA’s General Manager, Monitoring and Regulatory Services, Seyi Iyawe, thanked the terminal operators for fulfilling its concession agreement with the Federal Government and for delivering efficient service at the port.
“You have transformed the port business and have 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.
SOURCE: THE PUNCH
