In a statement celebrating the 17th anniversary of its port concession agreement with the government, APM Terminals Nigeria's Country Managing Director Frederik Klinke made this remark.
Klinke noted the company used the occasion to honor its founders and 76 pioneer employees. He also thanked the Federal Government for granting them the port concession, and acknowledged everyone's contribution in modernizing it.
The concession enabled APM Terminals to develop the critical port infrastructure needed in order for Nigeria's economy to flourish, he said.
“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".
Furthermore, APM Terminals Apapa's Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, stated that the company had made a large investment in facility upgrades, training and equipment as well as implementing new technology, all of which he said was improving service delivery at the port.
He said that APM Terminals Apapa's investment in the terminal had led to improved infrastructure and facilities, including acquisition of high-grade 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.
In a goodwill message delivered by the General Manager of Monitoring and Regulatory Services at Nigerian Ports Authority, Seyi Iyawe personally thanked 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.
