APM Terminals Kano now handles up to 600 containers monthly – Officials

Officials at APM Terminals Kano have said that the Inland Container Depot (ICD) now processes up to 600 containers monthly after a decade of operations in Northern Nigeria.

This was announced during the facility’s 10th anniversary, where stakeholders gathered to recognise the terminal’s role in revitalising trade across the region.

Frederik Klinke, the chief executive officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, noted that the facility has grown from servicing a single shipping line to partnering with 11 major lines serving businesses across Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Maiduguri, and Sokoto.

To support this volume, the terminal has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades since its inception in 2015. This includes a modernised terminal operating system to streamline container tracking and logistics, construction of a new fuel dump, generator house, and a dedicated drivers’ lounge.

Dalhatu Abubakar, the Customs Area Comptroller of the Kano and Jigawa Command, said that the synergy with APM Terminals helped the command secure national awards for revenue generation, stakeholder engagement, and anti-money laundering operations.

Read more: APM Terminals bets on barging to ease Apapa pressure

“This feat is a testament to the support the Kano/Jigawa Customs Command receives from APM Terminals Kano and other like-minded stakeholders,” Abubakar said.

While celebrating current throughput levels, Klinke said the goal of reconnecting Kano to its historic roots as a center for trans-Saharan commerce involving neighbouring Niger and Chad.

Local leaders like Alhaji Sulaiman Abdullahi, chairman of Kumbutso LGA, acknowledged the terminal’s impact on job creation and investment, while calling for continued commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the host community.

Bethel Olujobi reports on trade and maritime business for BusinessDay with prior experience reporting on migration, labour, and tech. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos, and is certified by the FT, Reuters and Google. Drawing from his experience working with other respected news providers, he presents a nuanced and informed perspective on the complexities of critical matters. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria and occasionally commutes to Abuja.

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