Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday officially inaugurated a $115 million upgrade project at the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State. This landmark investment by APM Terminals marks a significant step in bolstering Nigeria’s economic infrastructure and reinforces the nation’s role as a pivotal trade hub in West Africa.
The comprehensive upgrade includes enhanced port facilities and state-of-the-art technology, designed to improve efficiency, streamline operations, and create greater capacity for handling international trade. With these improvements, APM Terminals reaffirms its commitment to lifting global trade and creating opportunities for economic growth, not just in Nigeria, but across the West African region.
The inauguration ceremony attracted high-profile dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by his Senior Adviser (Technical), Professor Babatunde Bolaji Bernard, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola. Other key figures in attendance included Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi; the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), represented by Engr. Olalekan Badmus; and the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Akutah.
Vice President Shettima lauded the project as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its trade infrastructure, stating, “This $115 million investment not only strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global supply chain but also creates new opportunities for communities across Nigeria and West Africa.”
The upgrades at WACT are expected to drive more foreign investment, facilitate faster trade processes, and create new jobs in the maritime and logistics sectors, further supporting Nigeria’s economic development.
