A high-level delegation from APM Terminals have visited the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reiterating the company’s commitment to invest $500 million in expanding its areas of operations in Nigeria.
The delegation, led by Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of APM Terminals, Mr. Peter Wikstrom, also included Mr. Igor Van den Essen, President, Africa/Europe; Mr. Frederik Klinke, CEO, APM Terminals Nigeria; and Mr. Courage Obadagbonyi, CFO, APM Terminals Nigeria.
Speaking during the meeting in Abuja, the nister welcomed the commitment by APM Terminals, describing the company as a model for terminal operations in the country.
He noted: “We are pleased with the quality of infrastructure that APM Terminals has delivered at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa. The standard you have set should be the minimum benchmark for other terminal operators across the country.
“This fresh USD500 million investment must align with our broader agenda to modernize the Western ports and enhance port competitiveness. The Eastern ports will also not be left behind and we are determined to ensure a holistic upgrade of all Nigerian ports.”
Oyetola emphasised the federal government’s drive to deepen draft levels at the Lagos ports to a minimum of 16 metres, which would allow for the berthing of larger vessels, improve turnaround time, and reduce shipping costs.
He further disclosed that the government is actively pursuing full port modernisation and automation, working in close collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to deploy scanners and eliminate the heavy reliance on physical cargo examinations.
According to him, With our modernisation efforts, we are confident that Nigerian ports will soon rank among the best in the world. Our goal is to create a maritime environment that is efficient, transparent, and attractive to both local and international investors.
In his remarks, Wikstrom expressed enthusiasm about the ongoing transformation in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“This is my first visit to Nigeria, and I’m impressed by the scale of opportunity here. Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, is a strategic investment destination for APM Terminals.”
Wikstrom said APM Terminals has operated in Nigeria for over 20 years, and sees a promising future for the country.
Also, Mr. Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, thanked the Minister for his commitment to reforms in the maritime sector.
He expressed appreciation to the Minister for his leadership and the strong encouragement he has provided to investors.
He said the Minister’s efforts to remove procedural bottlenecks at the port are already yielding results, “and we are proud to be part of the journey to transform Nigerian ports.”
He also said that APM Terminals is working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to invest an additional USD10 million in the acquisition and deployment of modern cargo scanners at Apapa Port, which he noted would significantly boost trade facilitation and reduce cargo dwell time.
