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The management of APM Terminals Apapa on Monday said that it had placed orders for more equipment to cope with the significant growth at the Lagos port.
The clarification is coming on the heels of a report that the Nigerian Ports Authority had issued a 30-day ultimatum to the terminal operator to address alleged lapses reportedly resulting in port congestion.
The concessionaire said it had ordered equipment ahead of the expiration of the ultimatum given to it last month.
It explained that the ultimatum would expire this week.
Responding to inquiries about the reported move to take over the terminal by the NPA, the Managing Director, APM Terminals Apapa, Mr Martin Jacob said Lagos ports witnessed a spike in volume as cargo was diverted.
According to Jacob, the current investment phase, which will cover yard expansion apart from equipment will cost about N65bn.
The NPA had reacted to the congestion at the port by reportedly issuing APMT ultimatum to upgrade its handling equipment or risk takeover of its terminal.
The firm said it had so far invested N130bn in infrastructure, information technology upgrade and modern container-handling equipment to improve both quayside and landside operations.
