US delegation commends APM Terminals for world-class operations in Nigeria

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, has received praise from a visiting United States delegation for its exemplary port operations and commitment to talent development.

Strengthening international partnerships

The commendation was delivered during a tour of the terminal on Wednesday by members of the US Delegation on Trade Facilitation. The visit was organised by the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), the Bay Area Council and the University of California, Davis, as part of a 10-day trade mission to Nigeria and Kenya focused on climate, infrastructure, trade and technology.

California’s Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin, led the delegation and expressed admiration for APM Terminals’ investments and operational efficiency. “The operations here are very impressive and progressive,” he said. “From a staffing standpoint as well, I can see that they are very high-calibre people capable of working effectively with our counterparts back in California.”

Port efficiency and sustainability

Omishakin highlighted the importance of port efficiency in global trade and noted the similarities between Nigerian and US port systems. He emphasised that Nigerian ports possess capabilities on par with those on the US West Coast and expressed California’s interest in partnerships that promote environmental sustainability.

He cited examples from the US such as onshore and offshore power initiatives that allow ships to plug in while docked, thereby reducing idling emissions – an area ripe for collaboration.

A commitment to excellence

Frederik Klinke, Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, welcomed the visit as an opportunity to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and California. “The team has had the opportunity to see our quayside operations, learn about the history of Apapa and observe how we have consistently improved our operations over the years,” he said.

Terminal Manager Steen Knudsen reaffirmed the terminal's commitment to international collaboration. “The delegation's observations in Apapa reflect our standard operations,

which are consistent with those at other APM Terminals worldwide. We continuously review and innovate our processes to ensure compliance with international standards. This proactive approach positions us to effectively capitalize on future opportunities for international collaboration and business development,” he noted.

A hub for global talent

Alex Ford, Vice President of Global Programmes at the Bay Area Council, also commended the facility, describing it as a hub that meets international standards. "It seems like it meets the same standard of APM Terminals and Maersk internationally. I think it's pretty impressive that they are really trying to use this place as a way to train talent for their larger global ecosystem. Also, they have better talent and they know how to empower their talents,” he said.

Unlocking future opportunities

With California home to the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere – the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, which together handle over 20 million TEUs annually – the delegation underscored the potential for collaboration with Nigeria. Senior officials, including Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Dilpreet Sidhu, highlighted opportunities for trade, technology exchange and climate-conscious innovation.