By Godwin Oritse
Nigeria’s largest container terminal, APM Terminals Apapa, on Thursday commissioned newly renovated offices for the use of the Nigeria Customs Service at the terminal, located within the nation’s premier seaport, the Lagos Port Complex. The development marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to improve cargo handling efficiency and accelerate the clearance of containers at one of West Africa’s busiest maritime gateways.
Officials at the event underscored that the upgraded facility is designed to enhance operational coordination and reduce bottlenecks that have historically slowed down port activities. By providing a more structured and integrated workspace for Customs officers and stakeholders, the initiative is expected to contribute meaningfully to smoother trade facilitation processes.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, emphasised that the introduction of the new Customs Office and Customer Service Centre within the Staff Building represents a deliberate move towards modernising cargo clearing operations. He explained that the facility has been conceived as a comprehensive, one-stop hub where clearing agents, importers and other customers can complete documentation and interface with relevant authorities more efficiently.
“This new facility has been thoughtfully designed to remove the fragmentation that often characterises cargo clearance processes. By bringing critical services under one roof, we are enabling faster documentation, improving transparency, and ultimately ensuring a more seamless flow of containers through the port. Our objective is to make the experience more predictable and less cumbersome for every stakeholder who relies on this terminal,” he said.
Alhraishat further noted that the investment reflects the company’s broader commitment to the port community. He stated that APM Terminals is not only focused on operational performance but also on creating an environment that supports productivity, professionalism and collaboration.
“We have made substantial investments in this project because we recognise that infrastructure plays a vital role in shaping outcomes,” he said. “This is about setting a standard for efficiency, safety and service delivery. We will continue to invest in initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of our stakeholders and strengthen the overall ecosystem. What you are seeing today is only the beginning of a broader transformation.”
Also speaking at the event, the Port Manager of the Lagos Port Complex, Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim, commended APM Terminals Apapa for undertaking the renovation, describing it as both timely and impactful. He observed that the improved facility would introduce a greater level of order and control within the port environment.
He added that APM Terminals has consistently demonstrated leadership within the industry by raising operational standards and prioritising customer experience.
In his remarks, the Customs Area Controller, Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, also praised the initiative, stressing the importance of providing Customs officers with a conducive working environment. He pointed out that workplace conditions have a direct impact on morale, efficiency and overall service delivery.
“When officers are given an environment that meets professional standards, it naturally enhances their sense of responsibility and commitment to duty,” he said. “This facility aligns with what we expect in terms of parity and operational standards. It demonstrates respect for the role of Customs within the port value chain and reinforces our ability to perform effectively.”
The commissioning ceremony drew attendance from management staff of APM Terminals Apapa, representatives of the Nigerian Ports Authority, officials of the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as stakeholders from various shipping lines and logistics companies.
APM Terminals Apapa, a subsidiary of APM Terminals, is a leading container terminal operator in Nigeria and a key player in the country’s maritime and logistics sector. The terminal handles a significant proportion of Nigeria’s containerised cargo and serves as a critical hub for international trade. Over the years, the company has invested in modern equipment, digital solutions and infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving turnaround times, enhancing transparency and aligning port operations with globalbest practices.
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