APM Terminals has marked a decade of significant operations at its Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Kano, celebrating record growth and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening supply chains across Nigeria. The terminal's management made the announcement during the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the facility, highlighting its pivotal role in facilitating seaborne trade to the northern region.
A Decade of Expansion and Strategic Vision
Frederik Klinke, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, detailed the depot's remarkable journey since its establishment in 2015. He noted that operations have expanded from servicing just one shipping line to now collaborating with 11 major shipping lines. The depot's commercial reach has also grown, now serving businesses across Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Maiduguri, and Sokoto states.
Klinke reaffirmed the company's long-term vision to restore Kano's historic prominence as a central point for regional commerce. This strategy hinges on creating efficient multimodal logistics solutions and maintaining robust connections to the Apapa and Onne seaports. "While we celebrate how far we have come, our eyes remain firmly on the future," Klinke stated. "We envision a time when Kano’s trade regains its historic prominence—once again becoming a thriving hub of trans-Saharan commerce with Niger and Chad."
Infrastructure Upgrades and Safety Milestones
Kayode Daniel, the Commercial Manager for APM Terminals Apapa, outlined the substantial infrastructure investments made at the Kano ICD over the years. These critical upgrades include the construction of a dedicated fuel dump, a generator house, a drivers' lounge, and the implementation of a modernised Terminal Operating System.
These developments have directly contributed to the depot's enhanced capacity. Daniel revealed that the facility now handles up to 600 containers every month. He also emphasised the terminal's adherence to international safety protocols, stating, "Our Kano ICD has been aligned with global APM Terminals Safety Standards, ensuring that every employee, contractor, and visitor adheres to the highest levels of compliance."
Recognition and Community Impact
The success of the ICD has garnered praise from key government agencies and local authorities. Dalhatu Abubakar, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Area Comptroller for the Kano/Jigawa State Command, commended APM Terminals for its support. He credited the partnership with helping the command win multiple national awards in areas such as revenue generation, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and anti-money laundering operations.
On a local level, Sulaiman Abdullahi, the Chairman of Kumbutso Local Government Area, applauded the terminal for its positive impact on investment and job creation within the community. He encouraged the company to continue and expand its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to further benefit the area.
The anniversary event underscores the growing importance of inland logistics hubs in Nigeria's economic landscape, positioning Kano as a critical node for future trade expansion into the Sahel region.
