Operator Rewards 60 Staff With N90m, Hails Role In Port Transformation 

APM Terminals Apapa has rewarded 60 pioneer employees with gift vouchers worth a combined N90 million as the terminal marks two decades of operations, recognising the workers whose dedication helped transform its operations into a modern, technology-driven port facility.

Each of the employees received N1.5 million in gift vouchers in recognition of 20 years of service, resilience and commitment to the growth of the terminal, which commenced operations at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, in 2006.

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The recognition highlights the role of experienced personnel in sustaining operational improvements, as the terminal has evolved from largely manual processes to a digitally driven facility supporting cargo movement and supply-chain connectivity.

Speaking at the event, APM Terminals Nigeria Country Chief Executive Officer, Koen De Backker, who previously worked with the company between 2008 and 2012, commended the employees for their performance, persistence and resilience over the years.

“I remember faces and I certainly remember the smiles. And what I do remember is your performance, persistence and resilience,” he said.

De Backker said he was proud of the terminal’s transformation and its growing reputation within and beyond Nigeria, describing APM Terminals Apapa as a flagship facility.

“Today we talk about Apapa and I’m very proud. It’s a flagship terminal, and the name Apapa comes up everywhere you go. So that is you guys,” he said.

The Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, described the 60 employees as the foundation of the terminal’s achievements, noting that investments in infrastructure, technology and operational systems would not have delivered the desired results without a committed workforce.

“What you see now is the result of your hard work and dedication. So be proud of that. You are the foundation of this company. We invested in systems. We invested in everything. But all of that is nothing without the people,” Alhraishat said.

He urged the long-serving employees to share their experience and institutional knowledge with younger colleagues to prepare the next generation of workers for the terminal’s continued development.

The Head of People Function, APM Terminals Nigeria, Uzoma Ben-Ude, said the employees’ two-decade journey reflected determination and commitment to the organisation.

She encouraged the honourees to celebrate the milestone with their families, acknowledging the support their loved ones had provided throughout their careers.

One of the employees honoured, Magnus Ogbodu, a Workforce Manager and one of the terminal’s earliest employees, said he was delighted to have witnessed the facility’s transformation while remaining part of its workforce for 20 years.

Ogbodu said his career at APM Terminals had positively transformed his life and that of his family.

Similarly, Lead Data Analyst at APM Terminals, Olufisayo Makinde, identified the company’s culture and opportunities for professional growth as important aspects of her career journey.

Billing and Waiver Lead, Chienyenwa Amaefule, highlighted patience as one of the most valuable lessons she had learnt during her years with the company.

Recalling the terminal’s early days, Amaefule said operations were largely manual, contrasting that period with the technology-enabled processes currently in place.

She urged younger employees to remain committed to their responsibilities, stressing that dedication and patience were essential to achieving lasting results.

APM Terminals Apapa is Nigeria’s leading container terminal, supporting the movement of goods through Lagos Port and playing a significant role in facilitating trade and strengthening supply-chain connectivity.

Since commencing operations at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, in 2006, the terminal has invested in infrastructure, technology and operational processes, transforming its facilities while developing the workforce responsible for its operations.