On Wednesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated a $115 million upgrade project at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State. This significant investment reinforces APM Terminals’ dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and strengthens the terminal’s position as a critical trade hub in West Africa.
The project aims to bolster APM Terminals’ role in driving global trade while creating opportunities for communities across Nigeria and the broader West African region.
The inauguration ceremony saw the attendance of several high-profile dignitaries, including George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (represented by Babatunde Bolaji Bernard, his Senior Adviser on Technical Matters), Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy (represented by Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry), and Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs. Other notable attendees included the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, represented by Olalekan Badmus, and key figures from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority.
Representing the Vice President, Musaddiq Mustapha, Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure, applauded APM Terminals for its substantial investment in the WACT upgrade. He assured the company of the Federal Government’s continued efforts to foster a business-friendly environment. Mustapha highlighted that the $115 million investment would not only enhance service delivery at the port but also attract more vessels to Onne, thereby improving the port’s overall capacity.
“Nigeria is a country of significant opportunities. APM Terminals’ investment in WACT is a clear sign of the company’s strong commitment to developing ports that are a lifeline to global trade,” said the Vice President. .
The WACT upgrade is a comprehensive transformation aimed at enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and local excellence of Nigeria’s maritime operations. Key aspects of the upgrade include yard expansion, the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, and the construction of a modern office complex.
New Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC), Rubber Tyre Gantries (RTG), and advanced Cargo Handling Equipment (CHE) are expected to significantly reduce turnaround time, setting new standards in service delivery.
The investment also includes the introduction of an innovative auto gate system and an advanced data center to boost operational efficiency. Upgraded self-service kiosks will further enhance the customer experience.
Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, commended APM Terminals for its investment and pledged the Ministry’s continued support in modernizing ports and reducing business costs. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of Customs, remarked that the upgrade would assist the Nigeria Customs Service in boosting revenue, facilitating trade, and curbing the smuggling of dangerous goods.
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Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, stating that it reinforces efforts to make Nigeria’s eastern ports, like Onne, central to the country’s maritime strategy. “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,” he added.
The expansion of the yard space, nearly doubling its capacity, will improve safety standards through optimized container stacking and reduced collision risks. Advanced access control and CCTV systems will ensure a secure environment for cargo and personnel, while an upgraded Traffic Management plan will further enhance safety. The installation of a 1MW solar power facility demonstrates APM Terminals’ commitment to decarbonizing its operations.
During the ceremony, Olaf Gelhausen, Chief Operating Officer of APM Terminals, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential. “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,” Gelhausen said.
He further emphasized that the WACT upgrade represents APM Terminals’ vision of improving industry standards, enhancing capacity, and redefining customer experience while strengthening partnerships with the Nigerian government.
With its two container terminals in Lagos and Onne, APM Terminals handles nearly half of Nigeria’s container traffic. WACT is one of the best-performing terminals in West Africa, providing safe, reliable, and efficient services.
The company has expressed intentions to further invest over $500 million in Nigeria’s ports, building on the foundation of a long-term partnership with the government. In addition to operating efficient terminals, APM Terminals is committed to contributing to the development of local communities and providing growth opportunities for Nigerians.
