Senate committee on privatisation lauds terminal operator over port modernisation
The Senate Committee on Privatisation has lauded APM Terminals (APMT) Apapa over for its impactful contributions to port modernisation and investment in Nigeria.
The committee also assured of its commitment to support the terminal in tackling obstacles hindering efficient trade facilitation.
According to a statement on Thursday, the committee stated this when it was led by Senator Aminu Tambuwal on an oversight function at the terminal recently.
The lawmakers were accompanied on the visit by officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPEs).
Tambuwal urged the terminal to continue enhancing its services, adding “APM Terminal has made impactful contributions to port modernisation and investment in Nigeria. We encourage you to continue enhancing your services while we in turn, promise to support you in tackling obstacles hindering trade, such as the numerous government agencies involved in inspecting cargo at the port.”
Also speaking, a member of the committee, Senator Sunday Katung, commended APMT for consistently paying its taxes and other dues into the coffers of the government.
“I saw your financials and I was very impressed. It is impressive and I would like more improvement, which is predicated on some of the things we have mentioned here,” the Senator said.
The Terminal Manager, APMT Apapa, Steen Knudsen, acknowledged that since the concession program, the terminal had witnessed a significant transformation of the port, including increased efficiency, better equipment, and faster vessel turnaround times.
“This public-private partnership model has been a game-changer for Nigeria’s port system and the Nigerian economy,” he said.
He also mentioned the terminal’s intention to invest in a comprehensive upgrade of the infrastructure at the port.
The General Manager of Legal and Corporate Affairs of APMT Nigeria, Chinenye Mirian Deinde, emphasized the company’s recent efforts to enhance the terminal’s capacity and support Nigeria’s economic diversification.
She revealed that APMT Apapa recently expanded its yard capacity to accommodate the growing volume of export cargo, particularly non-oil exports.
According to Deinde “Since we commenced operations in 2006, APMT has made substantial investments in infrastructure, container handling equipment, information technology systems, manpower training, and capacity development.”
She explained that these investments have resulted in significant improvements in port productivity, including zero waiting time for vessels and a doubling of container volumes.
She affirmed that the terminal is committed to supporting the growth of Nigeria’s economy through strategic investments and efficient service delivery.
APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container terminal in Nigeria located in the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, serves as a key player in the country’s maritime industry. It also serves as a critical gateway for international trade and plays a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth with its intermodal connectivity options.
