Minister Accuses Terminal Operators of Flouting Concessioning Agreement

The Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemishola Saraki has expressed displeasure that the port terminal operators had not kept to the terms of the agreements, especially as it relates to concessioning of the ports.

The Minister made the disclosure when she received the new head of APM Terminals, Klaus Laursen at a courtesy call in her office in Abuja.

Saraki recalled that while at the National Assembly, she was conversant with the terms of the agreements and was also abreast with the operations of terminal operators.

She however, assured APM Terminals of the Federal Government’s committment to make ports services in Nigeria meet international standards.

The Minister of State while appreciating APM for the visit, called for harmonious working relationship between the Nigerian government and terminal operators.

She stressed the need for each party to work together to promote trust and value system that would engender economic growth and development.

While appreciating the fact that every business man needed to make profit, she enjoined APM to conduct its business in a way that would engender growth and service improvement in Nigeria.

Saraki informed APM that Nigeria would renew her quest for Category C Seat at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and hoped the company would support Nigeria in that regard.

Earlier, the new head of APM, Klaus Laursen, said he had come to pay his respects and show appreciation to the minister.

According to him, the collaboration between the company and Nigeria Ports Authority has made it possible to bring to berth in Nigeria a 300 metres container vessel.

He pledged that the APM group would work assiduously to improve the logistics value chain as well as tap into the huge opportunities that abound in the country.