Port operating company, APM Terminals Apapa, has revealed that it has invested about $438 million (about N180 billion) in the acquisition of modern cargo handling equipment at the port.
This disclosure is contained in a statement issued by the Terminal Manager, APM Terminal Apapa, Mr Steen Knudsen, on Tuesday in Lagos, stating that the equipment was for seamless services.
According to NAN, Knudsen pointed out that the investment is the highest by any port terminal operator in Nigeria.
What the Terminal Manager of APM Terminal Apapa is saying
Knudsen said that there has been a major transformation of the terminal to deliver greater and sustainable benefits to the Nigerian economy and society.
He said that in addition to the investment in equipment and facility upgrade, APM terminal has also invested heavily in continuous development of its workforce.
He said, “Since inception, we have invested around USD438 million purely into the handling equipment we have in the terminal.
“We have acquired mobile harbour cranes, rubber-tyred gantry cranes, reach stackers, forklifts, terminal trucks, empty handlers, and invested into yard improvements. An equally important investment is the investment in our workforce, ensuring that we continuously develop our staff.
“This covers trainings, career progression and, of course, expanding the business and creating new jobs.’’
Knudsen noted that the company was focusing on renovating its buildings, upgrading in-gate and out-gate facilities, terminal fencing and lighting.
He said, “Some of our other investments are aimed at simplifying and enhancing trade. For a long time, shipping has been a very manual and paper-heavy process.
“We are using global best practices to introduce digitalised products in order to ensure that importers and exporters enjoy seamless services from the terminal.’’
He said that the company recently launched massive digitalisation of its operations and services through deployment of 4G LTE wireless network, and commissioned its Operation Command Centre to enhance quality service delivery.
He said, “We remain committed to deepening our investment in Apapa to enable us handle increasing volumes at the port. Our investments will create capacity to handle growth in the economy to support the Federal Government’s efforts on trade growth and improved service delivery across the logistic chain.’’
What you should know
Recall that in 2005-2006, the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) entered into concession agreements for several bulk, breakbulk and container terminals, partly on a competitive basis (13 terminals), and partly through negotiation (12 terminals).
The concession is to help drive efficiency and transparency in ports operations across the country.
