The Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria, Sune Krogstrup, has commended APM Terminals for being “the bellwether of port operation” in Nigeria.

He also commended its development of critical port infrastructure for the benefit of the economy.

Krogstrup stated this at the 17th Port Concession Anniversary of APM Terminals Apapa, in Lagos.

He assured that Denmark, where the Maersk Group is headquartered, would continue to deepen its economic ties and relationship with Nigeria.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, lauded the terminal for fulfilling its concession agreement with the Federal Government as well as 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.

The representative of the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Amaechi Aloke, expressed delight over the performance of the company since it won the concession of the container terminal.

He said the success of the APM Terminals concession, which was the first to be concluded by the BPE in 2006, created the opportunity for the Federal Government to enter into other concession agreements to develop the port and other critical infrastructures across the country.

“I feel so proud and happy about APM Terminals’ achievement. We do some of the most difficult jobs – economic reform, but today it has been demonstrated that private and public corporations can work together to generate greater results. You have exceeded our expectations. Keep doing this and continue to excel,” Aloke said.

The Country Managing Director, APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr. Frederik Klinke, thanked the Federal Government for the port concession and acknowledged the contribution of its shareholders, staff and partners to the modernisation of the terminal.

Klinke said the concession enabled the terminal to develop the critical port infrastructure for the benefit of the nation’s economy.

“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 $440 million 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, Mr. 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.

He said it has been a success story of transformation, improved efficiency, innovation and value-added service.

Knudsen said the investment by the terminal 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), as well as civil works including a world standard administrative building with full information technology capacity.

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.