APM Terminals Apapa renews confidence in economy 17 years after
The APM Terminals, Apapa has reassured its commitments to the Nigerian economy, saying it will continue to deepen investments across its concerns in the country.
In an event weekend to commemorate its 17 years of doing business in Nigeria, the Butch conglomerate averred that it has facilitated a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), worth over $440million (328billion) in the last 17 years of its existence in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Country managing director, APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, at the 17th anniversary of its port concession agreement it signed with the Federal Government in 2006 and honouring of its founders and 76 pioneer employees.
Klinke, said the 17th anniversary celebration was the occasion to thank the Federal Government for granting the port concession and to acknowledge 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 recognize 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 $440million 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.
The Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, while presenting the 17th Anniversary Photobook highlighting the transformation of the terminal between 2006 and 2023, said the substantial investment made by the company in facility upgrade, training, equipment and technology has 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,” Mr. 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 (MHCs), Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) and many others as well as civil works including a world standard administrative building with full information technology capacity.
Senior Human Resources Business Partner of APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ben-Ude, while anchoring the presentation of awards to the company’s pioneer staff, said, “We have a total of 76 employees that have been with us since 2006 till date which shows that we have people who have been loyal to the company and they have also grown over the years. This has been a very mutually beneficial relationship. They have worked hard and their lives have also improved.”
Also speaking, the Commercial Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Temilade Ogunniyi, 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.
“I am confident to say that APM Terminals Apapa can compete favorably with terminals all over the world. What you see here is what you see in other terminals be it Europe or America,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Ambassador Sune Krogstrup, commended APM Terminals for being the bellwether of port operation in Nigeria. He assured that Denmark, where the Maersk group is headquartered, will continue to deepen its economic ties and relationship with Nigeria.
Other speakers including the Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup; President-General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; Customs Area Controller, Apapa Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Auwal Mohammed; Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex Apapa, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu and the Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime, who was represented by the Council’s Director of Regulatory Services, Mrs. Ifeoma Ezedinma.
