APM Terminals Seeks Improved Port Infrastructure, Rail Cargo Evacuation
APM Terminals Nigeria has called for improved port infrastructure, efficient cargo evacuation systems and stronger public-private partnerships to enhance trade, boost productivity and drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Koen De Backker, made the call during a plenary session at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #32) in Abuja.
De Backker described ports as critical components of the economy, noting that they facilitate trade, support cargo movement and create wealth and employment opportunities.
He identified capacity constraints and prolonged container dwell time at port terminals as major challenges affecting operational efficiency, stressing the need to expand cargo evacuation options beyond road transportation.
According to him, greater use of rail and barges would ease pressure on road infrastructure, improve cargo movement and reduce delays in the transportation of goods.
He cited APM Terminals’ logistics centre in Ibadan as an example of the benefits of alternative cargo transportation systems. At the facility, export cargo is consolidated and loaded into containers before being transported by rail to the port terminal.
The chief executive also called for the modernisation of ageing port infrastructure, emphasising the need for investment, technology and specialised expertise to increase capacity and improve operational efficiency.
He said private sector participation should be viewed as an opportunity to introduce professional expertise and modernise port facilities rather than merely as a form of privatisation.
De Backker further stressed the importance of collaboration among port operators, government agencies, the Nigeria Customs Service and clearing agents to improve port operations.
He pointed to the deployment of cargo scanners through collaboration with the Customs Service as an example of how technology could reduce dependence on physical container examinations while improving efficiency and security.
According to him, the initiative helped reduce import container dwell time from 18 days to 14 days in the example discussed, enabling importers to access their goods more quickly and lower associated costs.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered President Bola Tinubu’s address at the summit, said increased productivity was essential to translating economic reforms into improved living standards and shared prosperity.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing regulatory burdens, strengthening transparency and policy predictability, and expanding access to finance.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Economic Summit Group, Olaniyi Yusuf, said the summit’s theme, “Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs, Productivity and Shared Prosperity,” highlighted the need for economic growth to create value, expand opportunities and improve citizens’ welfare.
Yusuf said the next phase of economic reforms should focus on reducing production costs, providing reliable infrastructure, encouraging productive investment and ensuring more effective public expenditure.
The summit brought together government officials, private-sector leaders and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s economy and advancing sustainable development.
