NEARLY TWO DECADES OF CONCESSION, APMT REMAINS UNDER FIRE FOR POOR SERVICE DELIVERY

 As Nigeria nears the 20th anniversary of its port concession policy, widespread dissatisfaction is mounting among stakeholders in the maritime sector, with particular criticism aimed at APM Terminals (APMT), a key player in port operations.

In 2006, under the administration of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s seaports were concessioned in a bid to enhance efficiency, attract private investment, and modernize the sector. 

However, almost two decades after, the promises of improved service delivery and infrastructural upgrades remain largely unmet especially at APMT, one of the largest terminal operators in the country.

 sticker at a Terminal in Tin Can Inland Port

Industry operators and freight forwarders are now calling not just for a review but for an outright cancellation of some of these concession agreements, citing persistent inefficiencies, poor customer service, and infrastructural decay.

In an exclusive interview, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ikeobi, a licensed freight forwarder with years of experience working at APMT, acknowledged that while a few improvements had been made such as the paving of the examination bay and enhanced security much remains to be desired.

“They moved the Customs office from a relatively spacious and accessible building to a smaller, smelly, and inadequate space. It's very uncomfortable and far from ideal for business,” he lamented.

Mr. Ikeobi also highlighted environmental discomfort within the terminal, noting that heat generated from air conditioners’ outdoor units is directed toward areas where people are forced to wait. “It’s inhuman,” he said. “The place is smelly and generally not good for doing business.”

Further compounding the woes is the lack of integration of truck operations with the terminal delivery order (TDO) system, he explained. This, according to him, undermines the effectiveness of the truck call-up system, drives up costs, and opens the process to abuse.

“The TDO processing area is overcrowded, customer care is virtually unhelpful, and there’s an appalling lack of seating space. It’s like they don’t see us as partners in business, but as a nuisance,” he added.

Mr. Ikeobi criticized relevant government agencies for their inaction, accusing them of siding with terminal operators and shipping companies rather than protecting the interests of Nigerian stakeholders. “Our complaints fall on deaf ears,” he said. “The government agencies pander to the terminal operators, leaving us vulnerable to exploitation.”

He further noted frequent power outages, poor internet connectivity, and financial losses stemming from delays and container deposit issues—losses he says are directly attributable to APMT’s inefficiencies.

Another freight forwarder, Mr. Chidi Nwazue, painted an even grimmer picture. “The terminal is so congested, it's not even fit for animals. There’s no basic comfort or operational efficiency. Yet, we are still charged full fees regardless of the delays we endure,” he said.

An independent visit by this publication to several terminals revealed stark differences in operational efficiency. For instance, Ports Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) utilizes a structured equipment strategy—payloaders for ship discharge and stackers for container stacking—ensuring balanced workflow. In contrast, APMT appears to channel all heavy-duty equipment solely into discharging ships, neglecting the return and stacking of empty containers.

This imbalance reportedly leads to significant delays and financial penalties for importers and freight forwarders, who often forfeit container deposits due to the inability to return empties on time—a scenario that seems to work in APMT’s favor.

Efforts to get a response from APMT were unsuccessful. A customer liaison officer declined to speak and requested an email be sent for an interview appointment. More than a week later, no response has been received.

As calls grow louder for a thorough review or even evocation of the port concession agreements, industry stakeholders insist that urgent government intervention is needed. “The time for action is now,” said Ikeobi. “We cannot continue to suffer under a system designed to enrich operators at the expense of Nigerian businesses and economic development.”

With Nigeria striving to become a regional logistics hub, many agree that the maritime sector’s foundation must be rebuilt. and that begins with holding operators like APMT to account.