Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Musaddiq Mustapha, Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure, inaugurated a significant $115 million upgrade project at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Wednesday. The investment highlights APM Terminals’ dedication to Nigeria’s economic growth and enhances its position as a pivotal trade hub in West Africa.

The event was attended by notable figures, including Secretary to the Government of the Federation Senator George Akume, represented by Senior Adviser (Technical) Prof Babatunde Bernard; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Comptroller-General of Customs Mr. Adewale Adeniyi; and others.

In his address, Shettima praised APM Terminals for its substantial investment, which he believes will improve service delivery at Onne Port and attract more vessels. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for businesses.

The upgrade encompasses extensive yard expansion, acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment, and a modern office complex. It includes new Mobile Harbour Cranes, Rubber Tyre Gantries, advanced Cargo Handling Equipment, and an innovative auto gate system. These enhancements aim to reduce turnaround time, improve operational efficiency, and elevate customer experience with updated self-service kiosks.

Minister Oyetola emphasized the ministry’s support for port modernization to reduce business costs. Comptroller-General Adeniyi noted that the upgrade would help the Nigeria Customs Service generate more revenue and combat smuggling.

Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, represented by Olalekan Badmus, lauded the project as a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to improving its maritime sector and enhancing eastern ports’ roles in national strategy.

APM Terminals’ COO Olaf Gelhausen described the $115 million investment as a bold endorsement of Nigeria’s economic potential. He emphasized that the upgrade positions WACT as a world-class facility and a driver of trade and prosperity in West Africa. APM Terminals, operating two key terminals in Nigeria, continues to foster a long-term partnership with the Nigerian government and port authority, with future investments projected to exceed $500 million.