Danish monarch pledges increased investment in Nigeria’s port infrastructure

L-R: Terminal Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen; Queen Mary of Denmark; Marketing Officer, GIVO Africa, Adetomiwa Isiaka and Managing Director of Freee Recycle Limited, Ifedolapo Runsewe during a demonstration to the Queen when she visited APM Terminals Apapa on Wednesday.

Queen Mary of Denmark has pledged further investment in Nigeria’s port infrastructure after a visit to the terminal at the country’s busiest port.

The Danish Queen on a two-day visit, was welcomed at APM Terminals Apapa, accompanied by Jens Ole Bach Hansen, the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria Wednesday. APM Terminals, owned by Danish shipping company A.P. Moller–Maersk and a concessionaire in the Apapa port, has enjoyed upgrades to its facilities, increasing its attractiveness and ability to accommodate large vessels.

Queen Mary observed with interest how rubber and plastic waste generated by the terminal’s operations were being recycled into valuable products during engagement with the terminal’s environmental sustainability partners, identifying Nigeria as a promising destination for further investments.

“Nigeria, where we operate terminals in Onne and Apapa, is a core market for APM Terminals, and we want to invest further in infrastructure that can ensure the country’s sustainable growth, job creation, and better connectivity to the global markets.”

Known for her advocacy of gender equality, especially women and girls’ rights, the Danish monarch visited the terminal’s female equipment operators. Steen Knudsen, the terminal’s Nigeria CEO said the terminal encourages women to “pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated roles” through a special recruitment program it runs for female truck drivers and mechanics.

The tour also included a visit to the terminal’s Equipment Simulation Room, which is used for training operators.

The monarch had met with President Tinubu a day earlier at the Aso Villa in a courtesy visit both countries hope will strenghtwn bilateral relations.

Bethel Olujobi

Bethel Olujobi reports on trade and maritime business for BusinessDay with prior experience reporting on migration, labour, and tech. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Jos, and is certified by the FT, Reuters and Google. Drawing from his experience working with other respected news providers, he presents a nuanced and informed perspective on the complexities of critical matters. He is based in Lagos, Nigeria and occasionally commutes to Abuja.