Port Efficiency: Terminal Operators Call For Stronger Stakeholders’ Collaboration

The terminal manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, has reiterated the need for collaboration across all stakeholders in the logistics value chain to improve port operations.

He made this known when the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, and a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led by the national president, Nwokeji Emenike, visited the terminal separately.

Knudsen said many of the factors militating against the prompt delivery of containers at the terminal are outside the control of the terminal operator.

“The terminal has improved on its processes through automation, as importers and their agents can now book their containers for examination and carry out other transactions online from the comfort of their homes or offices without having to visit the terminal.

“Global trade needs efficient port operations and integrated solutions. We started a new and exciting journey in Apapa three years ago where we deployed a significant amount of new equipment. We have also improved our facilities and trained all employees across functions and levels. This journey is our transformation to international standards.

“It is important that we embrace the transformation and accept that it is a multi-year journey, which is closely linked to our values as a company and our primary objective to create value for the Nigerian economy. This transformation offers all of us exciting new challenges, which we can all learn and grow from,” he said.

He assured freight forwarders and licensed Customs agents of efficient service and timely delivery of their containers.

He said the terminal had made substantial investment in digital technology and cargo handling equipment to ensure prompt service delivery to its customers.

Expressing optimism that cargo delivery to consignees would be faster with the deployment of more scanners to the port, Knudsen added that APM Terminals was in talks with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to invest in more scanners.

He also charged truck drivers to comply with the rules of engagement of the eto electronic call-up system created by Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

“Truck drivers who by-pass the electronic truck appointment system create problems on the road and in the port, thereby hampering efficient cargo delivery,” he said.

Encouraging investment in port operations, the NSC executive secretary, Barr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, reaffirmed Council’s commitment to port efficiency. He also highlighted the federal government’s commitment to improving port infrastructure.

The ANLCA national president, Nwokeji Emenike, said his association will continue to engage with terminal operators to improve efficiency at the port.