Babatunji Wusu –
Vice President Kashim Shettima officially inaugurated a major $115 million upgrade project at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State, on Wednesday. This significant investment highlights APM Terminals’ commitment to boosting Nigeria’s economic growth and reinforcing its role as a pivotal trade hub in West Africa.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator George Akume, represented by his Senior Adviser (Technical) Professor Babatunde Bolaji Bernard; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Comptroller-General of Customs Mr. Adewale Adeniyi; the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), represented by Executive Director Marine and Operations Engr. Olalekan Badmus; Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council Barrister Pius Akutah; and Managing Director of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA) Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada, among others.
Represented by Musaddiq Mustapha, Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure (Office of the Vice President), Shettima praised APM Terminals for its substantial investment and assured that the Federal Government would continue to foster a business-friendly environment. “Nigeria is a land of immense opportunities. APM Terminals’ investment in WACT signifies the company’s strong dedication to developing ports crucial to global trade,” Shettima said. He added, “Nigeria will continue to partner with APM Terminals to create an environment where global trade businesses can thrive.”
The upgrade project marks a significant transformation at WACT, including extensive yard expansion, acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, and construction of a modern office complex. The installation of new Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHC), Rubber Tyre Gantries (RTG), and advanced Cargo Handling Equipment (CHE) aims to reduce turnaround time and improve operational efficiency. The project also introduces a new auto gate system and advanced data center, further enhancing WACT’s performance. Upgraded self-service kiosks will improve customer experience.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola praised APM Terminals for its investment and pledged ongoing support for port modernization efforts and cost reduction in business operations.
Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi noted that the WACT upgrade would aid the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in increasing revenue, facilitating trade, and preventing the smuggling of harmful goods.
The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, represented by Engr. Olalekan Badmus, highlighted the project’s role in enhancing the importance of eastern ports like Onne in the national maritime strategy. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to advancing Nigeria’s maritime sector and serves as an example of foreign direct investment,” he said.
The expanded yard space nearly doubles the available area, improving safety through optimized container stacking and enhanced access control and CCTV systems. A new 1MW solar power facility at WACT underscores APM Terminals’ dedication to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.
Olaf Gelhausen, Chief Operating Officer of APM Terminals, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic potential. “This $115 million investment reflects our belief in Nigeria’s growth trajectory. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is poised for remarkable development, and we are proud to contribute to this journey by transforming WACT into a world-class facility,” Gelhausen said. He also mentioned plans for future investments exceeding $500 million, focused on long-term partnerships and local community development.
APM Terminals remains deeply invested in Nigeria, with its terminals in Lagos and Onne handling about half of the country’s container traffic. The company is committed to continuing its role as a key player in Nigeria’s maritime sector and expanding its contributions to the local economy and community development.
