President Bola Tinubu is set to officially inaugurate the upgraded West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State, next Wednesday, according to a statement released by the terminal operator on Sunday. This major upgrade project, valued at $115 million (approximately ₦178.2 billion), began in 2021 and represents a significant enhancement in Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
The terminal, operated by APM Terminals, is recognized as Nigeria’s largest and most efficient container terminal outside Lagos. The extensive upgrade aims to bolster the terminal’s capacity and efficiency, positioning it as a key player in West Africa’s maritime trade.
Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT, expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s completion, highlighting its importance to Nigeria’s port sector. “We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the upgrade of our terminal at Onne Port. This will be a game-changer for Nigeria, and we are thoroughly excited about it. The fresh investment of $115 million is a further testament to the trust and confidence that APM Terminals has in the Nigerian economy and contributes to our purpose of improving lives for all while lifting global trade,” Jose stated.
The upgrade comes on the heels of a historic milestone for WACT on August 15, 2020, when it received the largest container vessel ever to berth at any Nigerian port. This achievement underscored WACT’s growing significance in Nigeria’s port operations and its potential to enhance regional trade.
The upgraded terminal is expected to boost Nigeria’s port capacity, streamline cargo handling processes, and improve overall efficiency in the maritime sector. By providing state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology, the project aims to support increased trade volumes and drive economic growth.
The inauguration of the upgraded WACT will be a notable event for Nigeria’s logistics and maritime industry, reflecting ongoing efforts to modernize infrastructure and enhance the country’s position as a key hub for global trade in West Africa.
