President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to commission the newly upgraded West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) at Onne, Rivers State, Wednesday, 4th September.
The facility, operated by APM Terminals, now stands as Nigeria’s largest and most efficient container terminal outside Lagos, marking a major milestone in the country’s port infrastructure.
Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT, described the project as a transformative moment for the nation’s port industry.
The upgrade, valued at $115 million (about N178.2 billion), began in 2021 and reflects APM Terminals and its partners’ dedication to boosting Nigeria’s maritime capacity.
“We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the upgrade of our terminal at Onne Port. This development is set to be a game-changer for Nigeria, and we’re thoroughly excited about the future it heralds,” Jose said.
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“The fresh investment of $115 million is not only a testament to the trust and confidence that APM Terminals has in the Nigerian economy but also contributes significantly to our overarching mission of improving lives globally while fostering trade.”
WACT holds a special place in Nigeria’s maritime history as the first greenfield container terminal developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Located in the Oil and Gas Free Zone in Onne, it has become a key trade gateway, particularly for the economic activities in Eastern Nigeria, extending its reach beyond the traditional Lagos ports.
The terminal’s expanded capabilities were highlighted on August 15, 2020, when it handled the largest container vessel to ever dock at a Nigerian port.
The Maersk Stadelhorn, at 300 meters long and 48.2 meters wide, carried about 10,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU) of containers, showcasing the terminal’s enhanced operational strength.
This achievement depicts WACT’s major role in facilitating large-scale trade and boosting Nigeria’s status in the global shipping industry.
The upcoming commissioning ceremony is expected to attract prominent dignitaries, reflecting the importance of the project.
Governors, Ministers, and heads of key government agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) are expected to attend.
Representatives from major shipping companies, freight forwarding associations, and other stakeholders will also be present.
By enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Nigeria’s ports, the terminal will help ease the pressure on Lagos ports, streamline trade routes, and reduce shipping delays, ultimately lowering costs for businesses.
The upgraded WACT terminal is expected to spur economic growth in Rivers State and beyond.
