Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to making Nigeria an investment haven in Africa.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this at the official inauguration of West Africa Container Terminal, WACT, project upgrade ceremony in Onne, Rivers State.
Shettima who was represented by Musaddiq Abubakar, Personal Assistant to the vice president, noted that the milestone is a testament of the Government’s initiative to create an enabling environment for investment in Nigeria, adding that the Federal government recognised the critical role of investment in driving the nation’s economy.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, who was represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, said the Federal Government is pleased with WACT- APMT’s projected $6billionUSD investment in Nigeria.
Akume called on the stakeholders to support the Federal government’s effort towards developing Nigeria.
In his address, the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Environment, Hon. Tambari Sydney Gbara, said the State Government is ready to partner with the Federal government and agencies that have expressed initiatives that will add value to the economy.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, commended West Africa Container Terminal, APM Terminals and other stakeholders for their conceited efforts that assisted the actualisation of the upgrade projects
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Akutah Pius, was optimistic that the initiative by West Africa Container will not only generate revenue but create employment opportunities for people.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho said that the agency, being the technical regulator, ensures infrastructure development of the nation’s ports. The NPA boss was represented by the Executive Director, Marine Operations, Engr. Olalekan Badmus.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Adewale Adeniyi lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to grow the economy through investments. He also called on the West Africa Container Terminal to uphold their seamless authorization processes in the terminal.
The Director General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, ICRC, Dr. Johnson Ewalafor, called on other terminal operators to inculcate WACT- APMT in terms of efficient operations and strict commitment to attainment of standard practice.
In his contribution, the National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agency, ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, felicitated with WACT- APMT for putting up the state of the art facilities in Rivers State. He also reiterated the need for more scanners in the port to boost their operations.
In his address, the Managing Director/ CEO of the APMoller Terminals, APMT, John Jenkins, said the terminal witnessed a great transformation in its state of the art facilities which will have significant impact on the national economy.
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer of APMT, Mr. Olaf Gelhausen who represented the APMT’s Headquarters described Nigeria as the best global market for investment while the Managing Director of West Africa Container Terminal, Mr. Jeethu Jose said that efficiency, man power development, safety and security are paramount to its terminal.
The occasion witnessed the official cutting of tape of WACT’s modern facilities by the Vice President, His Excellency, Kashim Shettima, represented by the Personal Assistant, Mr. Musaddiq Abubakar.
