The permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation/Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola has affirmed the commitment of the current administration to overhaul port operations, aiming to achieve the ambitious N10 Trillion projection for the sector.
During a meeting with the chief executive officer of APM Terminals in Abuja, Oloruntola assured that the government would not compromise the shared value of the nation’s ports in this endeavor.
Oloruntola, highlighting the government’s dedication, stated plans to upgrade cargo scanning from the existing 25 per cent to 100 per cent by acquiring four additional scanners. The administration aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within Nigerian ports, favouring 100 per cent scanning over physical inspection.
The chief executive officer of APM Terminals, Frederik Klinke, emphasized the critical juncture Nigeria finds itself in developing its port logistics. He stressed the need to fortify supply chains to support economic growth, especially in reaching the $1 Trillion target set for the marine economy. Klinke, joined by the general manager legal and corporate affairs of APM Terminals, Chinenye Mirian Deinde urged the permanent secretary to permit increased involvement from APM Terminals, specifically in expanding scanner capabilities.
Klinke outlined the substantial investment of $110 million concentrated in APM Terminals’ largest operations at Onne Port, with plans for a similar achievement at Apapa, Lagos Port. He also disclosed the company’s operation of an inland dry port in Kano.
Expressing the urgency to develop port logistics, Klinke recommended the immediate connection of rail services to terminal operations at Onne Port. Furthermore, he requested the participation of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the permanent secretary in the May 2024 commissioning of APM Terminal’s planned total investment at Onne.
In a strategic move, Klinke proposed the consideration of APM Terminals’ interest in the Badagry Port, emphasising ongoing dialogue with the Badagry Port Development Company. APMT views the Badagry Port as a complementary asset to the Lagos Port Complex, aligning with its long-term investment vision.
As the Federal Ministry of Transportation aligns itself with private sector players like APM Terminals, this proactive approach signals a pivotal moment in transforming Nigeria’s port operations, aiming for enhanced efficiency and global competitiveness.
