By Steve Agbota
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said that the operations of Africa Global Logistics (AGL) in Nigeria would create more jobs and contribute immensely to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of both the state and revolutionise the logistics landscape and drive efficiency in the country.
Speaking during the official unveiling of AGL, formerly known as Bolloré Africa Logistics, in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu, said that AGL will facilitate trade and enhance competitiveness, while emphasising its role in providing seamless connections between businesses and consumers, as well as between rural and urban areas, thereby fostering economic growth across Nigeria and Africa.
However, Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, expressed confidence that the rebranding and entry into Nigeria are set to redefine the logistics landscape and deliver unparalleled services to drive economic growth and development.
He also highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment to transforming its business environment through strategic investments and policy changes, including the Lekki Deep Seaport project, which is poised to be one of the largest ports in West Africa.
According to him, this project, along with other transformative initiatives, positions Lagos as a central hub for maritime logistics in Africa.
In his welcome address, the Country Managing Director of AGL Nigeria, Etienne Rocher, said the unveiling of the brand in Nigeria marks a new era of commitment to the country’s growth, signifying a strong dedication to elevating logistics standards and driving economic evolution.
He added thar the rebranding represents a pivotal advancement in reinforcing the company’s footprint on the continent and harnessing the potential of Nigeria’s dynamic logistics sector.
Rocher said, the official unveiling of the AGL brand in Nigeria marks a new era of commitment to the country’s growth, signifying a strong dedication to elevating logistics standards and driving Nigeria’s economic evolution, ‘where excellence in logistics meets the heartbeat of Africa.’
Also speaking, CEO Maritime Services and Chief Investment Officer of Africa Global Logistics (AGL), Stanislas de Saint Louvent said, Africa Global Logistics embraces the values of its parent company, the MSC Group. The values, according to him, include “humility, passion for our business, agility to adapt to our environment and clients’ needs and solidarity.
“As the leading multimodal logistics operator in Africa with over a century of expertise offering global, customised, and innovative solutions, AGL’s ambition is to contribute substantially to Africa’s transformation.
“AGL is committed to enhancing end-to-end logistics supply chain continuity across Africa through its port terminals, railway operations and logistics set up in every African country. Our intention is also to support the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, as we believe it is very important for the development of the continent,” he added.
He said, as part of the MSC Group, AGL benefits from a robust logistics network that spans the globe.
“This affiliation empowers us to improve our service offer in our port terminals, expand territorial service solutions, and invest in the professional development of our 23,000-strong workforce across Africa.
“By nurturing local talent and promoting diversity through specialised training programmes, we contribute to addressing Africa’s demographic challenges while advancing digital transformation,” he said.
Also speaking, the CEO of Africa Global Logistics & Transport Nigeria, Sade Akanni-Shelle, said AGL has evolved with Nigeria’s development and remained committed to the country’s potential through both good and challenging times, “and we continue to invest in solutions to support the needs of our customers while adapting to changes in geopolitics and the macro economy”.
She said the official unveiling of the new AGL brand is a testament to the company’s commitment to Africa’s development.
“As we introduce the four key pillars of our strategy — digitalisation, energy transition, intra- African trade, and investment in local talent – we are excited to embark on this journey of growth and transformation in Nigeria,” she said.
