WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria boosts Primary Health Care Centres in its host communities, commissions solar power systems

In a significant step towards improving healthcare access and quality, West Africa Container Terminal-APM Terminals Nigeria commissioned solar energy systems at the primary healthcare facilities in its host communities, Model Primary Health Care Centre, Onne, Eleme L.G.A and Model Primary Health Care center, Ogu, Ogu/Bolo L.G.A Rivers State, last Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

According to WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, the initiative aims to address the challenges of unreliable power supply that often hinders the delivery of essential medical services in the communities. This initiative will impact over 25, 000 households in the communities, improving their access to quality medical services.

Speaking during the event to mark the commissioning of the solar systems, the CEO APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke said,

"This kind of programme is very much at the core of what we stand for as a company.

Sure, our business is to handle containers and to facilitate trade for the country. But part of our role of being in a country, and that's not just Nigeria, that's anywhere in the 60+ countries in the world where we operate, we see ourselves as partners with the communities and the governments that we work with. So therefore, doing this kind of initiatives is part of not just our strategy, but it's part of who we are. It's part of who we want to be seen and recognized as, as people who are an integrated part of the community where we operate. And that is also seen as giving back to that community.

Klinke further stated that Healthcare and education are the two pillars in the company's global CSR strategy. "Those are the two areas that we want to focus on because we believe that if we can lift those, we can lift a lot of other things in the society. We raise the general health of the people around us and we also enable, especially women to have a better life, employment, and the likes. This is a pilot, we are anticipating doing many more of this and to really have a wider impact in the society here."

Also speaking, the Managing Director of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria emphasized the commitment of the company to improve lives for all.

"For us as a company, improving lives for all especially the communities that we work in is very important to us. Today, we have four primary areas that we focus on- health, training and empowerment, education, environment and infrastructure programmes. And there are various of these projects going on in the community. Like I said, it is just the start of a journey.

Primary Health Care is very important for any community in any area. Health is a very important thing and if the primary health care centres are strengthened, it reduces the load on the secondary and the Tertiary. Light/power is just a basic need and in 2025, you will see us partnering more with you to develop this place. Together we will grow, partner and thrive," he said.

WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu, said the choice of a solar power system for the health centres was because of needs assessment exercise carried out in the two communities and the solar power solution came as a top need of the centres.

The Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Prof. Kinikanwo Green, represented by the Director of Medical Services, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Okachi Chukwuma commended WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria for the initiative which he described as a bold step.

He further said the vision which the company has towards primary health care is in line with that of the Governor of Rivers State and further reiterated the support of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board in ensuring that communities get absolute quality health services because that is the primary goal of the board.

The Vice-Chairman of Ogu/Bolo L.G.A, Rivers State, Barr. Christians Tamunobereton-ari commended WACT-APMT Nigeria for the installation of the solar project while also reiterating that the relationship between WACT-APMT and Ogu has been very cordial, "This particular project is the most needed project for this facility. With the power system now, the nurses and the doctors will be more active."

The Onne Community Liason Officer, Prince Dr. Jima Osaronu described WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria as the front liner when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) while also stating that the project is a milestone for the Onne Community.

The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals is the first greenfield container terminal in Nigeria to be built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The terminal is located within the Oil and Gas Free Zone in Onne Port, Rivers State. Over the years, it has grown to become the most efficient gateway to markets outside the Lagos area, and it is a major gateway to East Nigeria.