Get Guardian on GoogleAPM Terminals Nigeria has underscored the importance of efficient ports, modern infrastructure, effective cargo evacuation systems, and stronger public-private collaboration in enabling trade, improving productivity and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth.
The call was made during a plenary session at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) held in Abuja.
Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Koen De Backker, reinforced the critical role ports play in facilitating trade and creating economic value, noting that the terminal operator’s job is to facilitate trade, enable cargo movement in and out of the port, and to create wealth and prosperity for the population of Nigeria.
Highlighting capacity constraints within ports as a key challenge, De Backker explained that containers remaining too long at terminals reduce the capacity available to keep cargo moving.
He stressed the need to diversify cargo evacuation beyond road transportation by expanding alternatives such as barge and rail transport.
He cited APM Terminals’ logistics centre in the Ibadan area, where export cargo is consolidated, stuffed into containers and moved by rail into the terminal, as an example of how alternative transport links can support cargo flows.
De Backker also emphasised the need to modernise Nigeria’s ageing port infrastructure, noting that technology, specialised expertise and investment are essential to increasing capacity and efficiency.
Rather than viewing private-sector participation simply as privatisation, he described it as an opportunity to “professionalise the infrastructure, modernise, and get experts in.”
He further highlighted collaboration with government agencies, Customs and clearing agents as central to achieving meaningful improvements.
Citing the deployment of cargo scanners, De Backker said collaboration with Customs had enabled containers to be scanned rather than relying solely on physical examinations, thereby improving efficiency and security.
According to him, this helped reduce import container dwell time from 18 to 14 days, resulting in faster cargo availability and lower costs.
Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Olaniyi Yusuf, stressed the need for economic growth to create value, expand opportunities, and improve living standards.
“So, the next phase of our reforms must prioritise lower production costs, reliable infrastructure, productive investment, and more effective public expenditure,” Yusuf said.
He said Nigeria’s growth ambitions will require stronger partnerships, productive investment and infrastructure that enable businesses and communities to prosper.
He said for APM Terminals Nigeria, efficient ports remain fundamental to that journey, connecting businesses to markets, strengthening supply chains and helping unlock sustainable economic opportunities.
