The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has projected double-digit growth in cargo throughput and revenue following BUA Group’s $85 million investment to expand its Port Harcourt terminal, describing the project as a major boost for Nigeria’s eastern ports and the country’s maritime sector.
Speaking after meeting BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, at the NPA headquarters in Lagos, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the expansion would increase cargo volumes, strengthen government revenue and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
Dantsoho said the Authority remains committed to working with private investors to develop port infrastructure, particularly in the eastern corridor, noting that BUA has continued to play a significant role in the growth of the sector.
He explained that increased cargo traffic would generate greater economic value through higher imports and exports, adding that the project is expected to drive cargo growth of between 13 and 14 per cent, a milestone he described as significant by global port standards.
The NPA boss also highlighted recent improvements in port operations, stating that Apapa and Tin Can Island ports were recently ranked among the world’s 20 most improved ports by S&P and the World Bank.
He attributed the progress to stronger collaboration between the Authority and private operators, as well as policies aimed at encouraging investment in the maritime industry.
Earlier, Rabiu disclosed that BUA Group is investing about $85 million to expand its Port Harcourt terminal to support the company’s growing operations, particularly the expansion of BUA Foods.
He said the project, scheduled for completion next year, will enable the company to import more than two million tonnes of raw materials annually and provide about 600 metres of quay frontage, significantly improving cargo-handling capacity.
According to Rabiu, the upgraded terminal will strengthen the company’s logistics network across its food, cement, mining and infrastructure businesses while reinforcing Port Harcourt’s role as a key cargo gateway.
He commended the NPA for its continued support of the project and stressed the need for sustained investment in modern port infrastructure to match Nigeria’s economic growth and drive industrial development.
