…. commends Amaechi on Lekki port project
Chief Executive Officer, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Mr. Denrick Moos, has bagged the Nigerian Logistics Icon of the Year 2022 award.
The award was presented to Moos in recognition of his contribution to the development of the transportation and logistics industry in Nigeria.
General Manager and Head of Government Relations and Security, Lekki Freeport Terminal, Fubara Awanta, also received the Nigerian Logistics Distinguished Person of the Year award organised by Perfect Tom- George (PTG) Logistics in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Moos expressed gratitude for receiving the award, which he said was made possible by the unwavering support of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the CMA CGM Group and the commitment of his team members in Lekki Freeport Terminal.
“Africa, and in particular Nigeria has been labelled as a challenging environment for foreign business to operate in. Some have seen opportunities, ventured into these opportunities and could not navigate the operating environment and left subsequently. As you know, it is not the case of the Group.
“The CMA CGM Group opened its first office in the country in 2007, and has grown from being a shipping line agency office, to a multi-modal logistics provider, thanks to Ceva logistics, and to a container terminal operator, the crown jewel.
“The CMA CGM Group, as the foreign companies being present here today has indeed passed the test of the Nigerian market, thereby giving Nigeria the best value globally, in our respective areas of business as foreign business entities. This all would not be possible without the full support that we have received from the Federal Government of Nigeria, and for that the CMA CGM Group is extremely thankful. We are enthusiastic about this new terminal, which is set to become the largest container terminal in Nigeria and West Africa, and I would like to thank all workers involved in its construction on behalf of the CMA CGM Group,” he said.
Moos commended the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, for his efforts and commitment towards ensuring actualisation of the Lekki port project and directly on the Lekki Freeport terminal.
He said with the new Lekki Freeport Terminal expected to become fully operational by 2023, CMA CGM is planning to progressively add ships with a larger capacity of over 10 000 TEUs, to and from Nigeria.
He said, “Throughout the project, His Excellency, Rotimi Amaechi, consistently engaged all stakeholders to ensure directly Lekki Freeport Terminal will begin activity in the first quarter of 2023. I am proud to say that we have already started certain activities, and are awaiting the official opening of Lekki Port before Lekki Freeport Terminal can drive towards commercial activities.
“Your Excellency, thank you for your trust in the project and your consistent visits onsite, motivating all who were and still are involved in this project. Lekki Freeport Terminal would not be at this advance stage of the project if it was not for your unmeasurable support.”
Moos also acknowledged the commitment of the Minister of Transportation, Engr Muazu Sambo, to continue where his predecessor stopped, saying, “We have seen your involvement in the maritime industry and you certainly have hit the ground running visiting all the major maritime facilities. LFT is aware that you are no stranger to the industry and we are really looking forward to also benefit from your vast maritime experience.
“Our gratitude also goes to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. You have been a pillar of strength since being appointed in August 2020 as the Permanent Secretary to the Minister of Transportation. The Lekki Port project has benefitted immensely from your astute experience. LFT appreciates the value you have added to our journey, and will continue to add.”
