By Franklin Adole
Global port operator APM Terminals has pledged a fresh $600 million investment in Nigeria’s maritime sector, raising hopes of improved port operations, faster cargo clearance, and new jobs in the country’s struggling economy.
The investment commitment was announced during a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and top executives of the company on the sidelines of the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
The delegation was led by Igor van den Essen, Regional President of APM Terminals Africa-Europe, alongside the company’s Head of Investments, Martijn Van Dongen, and Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke.
According to the company, the proposed investment will focus on the modernisation of Apapa Port, expansion of logistics infrastructure, and long-term private sector participation in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The development comes as businesses and importers continue to grapple with congestion, delays, and high operating costs at Nigerian ports, factors widely blamed for rising prices of goods across the country.
Tinubu welcomed the planned investment, saying his administration was determined to modernise Nigeria’s ports and remove bottlenecks slowing down trade and economic growth.
He said the government was pushing reforms aimed at improving cargo processing, introducing advanced technology, and increasing operational efficiency at the nation’s seaports.
According to the President, Nigeria has the market size and economic potential to support world-class maritime infrastructure capable of attracting more international investment.
Van den Essen praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they had improved investor confidence and created fresh momentum for infrastructure development in Nigeria.
He described Nigeria as one of APM Terminals’ most strategic operations in Africa, noting that the company had maintained business ties with the country for more than two decades.
The company also commended the federal government for introducing the National Single Window initiative, which is expected to simplify trade procedures, improve Customs coordination, and reduce delays in clearing cargoes at the ports.
Tinubu also met with executives of Winme Group, where he called for stronger investment partnerships in logistics, mining, shipping, and infrastructure development.
The President said Nigeria needed integrated investments connecting ports, transport systems, and export infrastructure to support industrial growth and improve competitiveness.