APM Terminals Nigeria has called for improved port infrastructure efficient cargo evacuation and stronger public-private partnerships to enhance trade boost productivity and drive Nigeria’s economic growth.
Its Chief Executive Officer Koen De Backker made the call at the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #32) in Abuja.
Speaking during a plenary session De Backker said ports were critical to facilitating trade moving cargo and creating economic value.
‘Our job is to facilitate trade to be an enabler for cargo to move in and out of the port and to create wealth and prosperity for the population of Nigeria’ he said.
He identified capacity constraints and prolonged container dwell time at terminals as major challenges affecting port efficiency stressing the need to expand cargo evacuation options beyond road transport.
De Backker advocated greater use of barges and rail to ease pressure on road infrastructure and improve cargo movement.
He cited APM Terminals’ logistics centre in Ibadan where export cargo is consolidated and stuffed into containers before being transported by rail to the terminal as an example of how alternative transport systems could improve cargo flows.
The chief executive also called for the modernisation of ageing port infrastructure noting that technology specialised expertise and investment were necessary to increase capacity and operational efficiency.
He said private sector participation should not be viewed simply as privatisation but as an opportunity to bring in expertise and modernise port facilities.
‘Professionalising the infrastructure modernising and getting experts in’ he said describing the benefits of private sector involvement.
De Backker also stressed the importance of collaboration among port operators government agencies the Nigeria Customs Service and clearing agents to improve port operations.
He cited the deployment of cargo scanners through collaboration with Customs as an example of how technology could reduce reliance on physical examination of containers while improving efficiency and security.
According to him the initiative helped reduce import container dwell time from 18 to 14 days in the example discussed allowing importers to access their cargo faster and reduce associated costs.
At the summit Vice President Kashim Shettima who delivered President Bola Tinubu’s address said improving productivity was essential to translating economic reforms into prosperity.
‘Our pursuit of prosperity demands greater productivity from every worker enterprise and investment’ he said.
He added that the Federal Government would continue efforts to reduce regulatory burdens strengthen transparency and policy predictability and expand access to finance.
Also speaking Olaniyi Yusuf Chairman of the Economic Summit Group said the summit’s theme ‘Growth That Works: Delivering Jobs Productivity and Shared Prosperity’ reflected the need for economic growth to create value expand opportunities and improve living standards.
He said the next phase of economic reforms should prioritise lower production costs reliable infrastructure productive investment and more effective public expenditure.
The summit brought together government officials private-sector leaders and other stakeholders to discuss strategies to advance Nigeria’s economic development.