SARAKI ASSURES APM OF FG’S RESOLVE TO IMPROVE PORT SERVICES

Oru Leonard

The Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemishola Saraki has assured APM terminals that the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to making ports services in Nigeria comparable to anywhere in the world.

She made this disclosure today when she received the new head of APM, Klaus Laursen at a courtesy call in her office in Abuja
The Minister of State while appreciating APM for the visit, called for harmonious working relationship between the Nigerian government and terminal operators. According to her there was no need for confrontational relationship rather each party should work together to promote trust and value system that will engender economic growth and development.

While appreciating the fact that every business man needs to make profit, she enjoined APM to conduct its business in a way that will bring about growth and service improvement in the Gulf of Guinea.
Going down memory lane, the Minister of State for Transportation, recalled that while she was at the National Assembly, she was abreast with the operations of terminal operators, expressing displeasure that they have not kept to the terms of the agreements especially as it relates to concessioning of the ports.

While promising to assist APM in their business endeavours, Saraki informed them that Nigeria would renew her quest for category C seat at the International Maritime Organisation and hopes they can support Nigeria in that regard.

Speaking earlier, the new head of APM, Klaus Laursen, said he had come to pay his respects and show appreciation as the collaboration between them and Nigeria Ports Authority has made it possible to bring to berth in Nigeria a 300 metres container vessel.He further pledged that the APM group will work assiduously to improve the logistics value chain as well as tapping into the huge opportunities that abound in the country.