Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima on Wednesday officially launched a comprehensive US$115 million modernization project at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne, Rivers State. The investment underscores APM Terminals’ unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and reinforces its position as a leading trade hub in West Africa.
This monumental modernization reaffirms APM Terminals’ key role in driving global trade and creating opportunities for the Nigerian and West African communities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (Technical), Mr. Babatunde Bolaji Bernard, George Akume, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, Commissioner of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Managing Director, Marine and Operations, Mr. Olalekan Badmus.
Among the speakers was the Managing Director of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Pius Akutah, and the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Mr. Bamanga Usman Jada.
The Vice President, who was represented by the Parastatal Personal Assistant to the President on Infrastructure (Office of the Vice President), Mr. Musaddiq Mustapha, commended APM Terminals for its huge investment in WACT and assured them that the Federal Government would continue to provide services to APM Terminals in the future, creating a supportive environment for the company to thrive. He said the $115 million investment in the WACT upgrade would further improve the port’s services and attract more ships to the port.
“Nigeria is a country of great opportunity. APM Terminals’ investment in WACT is a clear indication of the company’s strong commitment to developing ports, which are the lifeblood of global trade.
“Nigeria will also work with APM Terminals in the long term to create an environment in which companies participating in global trade can thrive,” the Vice President said.
The upgrade project is a testament to APM Terminals’ vision to raise standards of efficiency, reliability, and regional excellence in Nigeria. This includes major transformation including a major warehouse expansion, purchase of state-of-the-art equipment, and a modern office complex.
New Mobile Harbor Cranes (MHC), Rubber Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTG), and advanced cargo handling equipment (CHE) will significantly reduce delivery times. A superior operational model will revolutionize efficiency at the quay, warehouse, and gate, setting new standards in service delivery.
The investment will introduce an innovative automated gate system and a modern data centre, taking WACT’s operational efficiency to a new level. Self-service kiosks have also been modernized for an improved customer experience. The minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who also lauded APM Terminals’ huge investment in WACT, assured that his ministry would continue to support the terminal operator in modernizing the port and reducing the cost of doing business at the country’s gateway.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the modernization of WACT will support the efforts of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to increase revenue, facilitate trade, and curb smuggling of hazardous and dangerous goods into Nigeria.
The NPA Managing Director, Abubakar Dansoho, represented by the Managing Director of Maritime and Operations, Olalekan Badmus, commented, “This project is a clear demonstration of our dedication to ensuring our eastern ports, such as Onne, play a more central role in our national maritime strategy. This will ultimately improve our national maritime traffic. I would like to extend our profound gratitude and commendation to the management of West Africa Container Terminal for their substantial investment in this vital infrastructure. Your commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector is truly commendable and serves as a shining example of foreign direct investment into our nation’s economy.”
The nearly doubled storage area not only provides more space but also enhances safety standards by optimizing container stacking, thereby minimizing the risk of collisions. Advanced access control and CCTV systems create an unparalleled safe environment for cargo and personnel. A modern traffic management plan also contributes to a safer environment. The groundbreaking 1 MW solar photovoltaic system installed at WACT demonstrates APM Terminals’ commitment to decarbonizing its business operations.
APM Terminals Chief Operating Officer Olaf Gelhausen said at the inauguration: “This $115 million investment is a bold statement of our faith in Nigeria’s economic potential. As Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, Nigeria stands on the brink of remarkable growth. We are proud to be catalysts in this journey, transforming WACT into a world-class facility that is lifting standards to drive trade and prosperity across West Africa.
“The transformative upgrade project at WACT embodies APM Terminals’ vision of lifting standards in the industry. We’re enhancing capacity, redefining customer experience, and forging stronger partnerships with the Nigerian government to lift global trade,” he added.
APM Terminals has a strong commitment to Nigeria. Our two container terminals in Lagos and Onne handle approximately half of the containers that enter and leave Nigeria. WACT is one of the most powerful terminals in West Africa, providing safe, reliable, and efficient services to its customers.
The company has also intensified discussions with the Nigerian government and port authorities to solidify future investment plans. The proposal to invest more than $500 million in the future is based on a long-term partnership. In addition to operating a highly efficient terminal, the company intends to contribute to the development of the local community and provide growth opportunities and new prospects for Nigerians.
