APM Terminals is engaging in discussions with the government for a significant upgrade at its Apapa terminal.

Keith Svendsen, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals, disclosed the company’s ambitious plans aimed at accommodating vessels with deep drafts and large ship-to-shore cranes.

The upgrade is part of APM Terminals’ long-term vision to bolster import and export opportunities in the country, create employment, and diversify local opportunities.

Svendsen emphasized the importance of fortifying existing port infrastructure, especially in Lagos, to manage increasing trade volumes effectively.

“While greenfield terminals like Lekki and later on Badagry would support economic growth in the long run, the more urgent requirement is in our view to upgrade the existing port infrastructure,” Svendsen commented.

The proposed upgrades seek to facilitate smoother operations, providing seamless connectivity through road, rail, and barge networks to mainline shipping.

Svendsen highlighted the unique position of the Apapa port in offering access to international markets for Nigerian importers and exporters, leveraging not only road but also rail and waterways, utilizing barges.

APM Terminals has been a pivotal player in Nigeria’s maritime sector for close to two decades. The company’s commitment to the nation’s economic growth is underscored by its proposed investment of over $500 million, subject to a long-term partnership with the government.

The Apapa terminal is a vital gateway for trade, handling a significant portion of Nigeria’s container traffic.

Furthermore, APM Terminals’ operations in Lagos and Onne collectively manage about half of the containers in Nigeria, demonstrating their pivotal role in the country’s logistics landscape.

The proposed upgrades signify APM Terminals’ dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economic reforms and attracting international investments.

The company has already invested over $600 million since its inception in Nigeria in 2006, directly employing approximately 2,500 Nigerians and indirectly contributing to employment for about 65,000 individuals.

“At APM Terminals, we believe strongly in the prospects for the Nigerian economy and the long-term opportunities that the current economic reforms and invitation for international investments will generate,” Svendsen affirmed.

As talks between APM Terminals and the government progress, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact of the proposed terminal upgrades on Nigeria’s maritime sector and overall economic development.

Uber has rolled out a feature in Nigeria that promises to revolutionize the way drivers receive their earnings.

Dubbed “Flex Pay,” this innovative initiative allows Uber drivers across the country to access their earnings daily, a significant departure from the previous weekly payment system.

The announcement came during a recent media briefing led by Tope Akinwumi, Uber Nigeria’s country manager.

Akinwumi expressed the company’s commitment to supporting its drivers by introducing Flex Pay, which aims to help drivers meet their financial obligations more promptly and efficiently.

With Flex Pay, drivers now have the flexibility to access their earnings directly through their mobile wallets on a daily basis.

This move is poised to bring about a host of benefits for drivers, offering them greater financial stability and control over their finances.

In addition to the introduction of Flex Pay, Uber also unveiled a set of new features designed to enhance the driver experience on the platform.

One such feature is the ability for drivers to see upfront details about a trip request, including the destination and expected fare.

This added transparency empowers drivers to make more informed decisions about which trips to accept, ultimately improving their overall experience on the platform.

Speaking about the new features, Akinwumi emphasized Uber’s commitment to prioritizing the needs and feedback of its driver-partners.

He highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and develop solutions that enhance the driver experience and ensure their satisfaction with the platform.

“We are constantly listening to feedback from our driver-partners and striving to provide them with the tools and support they need to succeed,” said Akinwumi.

“The introduction of Flex Pay and other new features is a testament to our commitment to empowering our driver-partners and enhancing their experience on the Uber platform.”

The implementation of Flex Pay marks a significant milestone for Uber in Nigeria, demonstrating the company’s dedication to driving positive change and innovation in the ride-hailing industry.

As drivers begin to benefit from daily earnings and increased transparency, Uber is poised to strengthen its position as a leading provider of flexible earning opportunities in the country.

After a prolonged two-year wait, Exxon Mobil’s anticipated $1.28 billion asset sale to Seplat Energy is poised for approval by Nigeria’s oil regulator.

The deal, which has been in limbo since 2022, could finally see the light of day following recent communication from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Gbenga Komolafe, the chief of NUPRC, revealed to Reuters on Thursday that the regulatory body is on the verge of giving its consent to the transaction.

Komolafe disclosed that Exxon Mobil and Seplat Energy are scheduled to attend a pivotal meeting on Friday, during which they will discuss the final steps towards approval.

He expressed optimism, stating, “Subject to the outcome of the meeting, consent… could be given in less than two weeks from the date of the meeting.”

According to Komolafe, NUPRC will present the companies with two mutually exclusive options, the acceptance of which would pave the way for the deal’s approval.

While he didn’t delve into specifics, he emphasized that Nigerian law mandates provisions for decommissioning, host community development, and environmental remediation.

“We don’t want our nation to carry unwarranted financial burdens arising from the operations of the assets over time by the divesting entities,” Komolafe asserted, underscoring the importance of responsible asset management.

The $1.28 billion sale holds immense significance for Nigeria’s oil industry, which has faced challenges stemming from underinvestment and security concerns in recent years.

With oil majors like Shell and TotalEnergies divesting from onshore shallow water operations due to security issues, regulatory approval of the Exxon-Seplat deal could inject much-needed capital into the sector.

Analysts view the impending approval as a potential catalyst for improved oil output in Nigeria. Moreover, it could serve as a positive signal to investors, paving the way for similar deals in the future.

The regulatory clearance of Shell’s asset sale to Renaissance in January has further bolstered expectations regarding the viability of such transactions.

As Nigeria looks to revitalize its oil sector and attract investment, the imminent approval of Exxon Mobil’s asset sale to Seplat Energy marks a significant milestone, bringing an end to a prolonged period of uncertainty and setting the stage for renewed growth and stability in the country’s vital energy industry.