APM Terminals is committing $600 million to Nigeria's maritime sector. The announcement came Thursday during a meeting between port operator executives and President Bola Tinubu in Kigali, Rwanda.
Igor Van den Essen, Regional President of APM Terminals Africa-Europe, led the delegation to the Africa CEO Forum. He brought along Martijn Van Dongen, Head of Investments, and Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, disclosed the details to reporters. The investment will target three key areas in Nigeria's port ecosystem.
Apapa port modernisation tops the agenda. Logistics infrastructure and long-term private sector engagement in maritime operations also feature prominently in the plan.
President Tinubu welcomed the investment pledge enthusiastically. He highlighted Nigeria's ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure overhaul as critical drivers of competitiveness.
The country is shedding outdated systems and structural weaknesses, according to him. He stressed the importance of cutting-edge technology and faster cargo handling at ports nationwide.
Tinubu called on other global investors to follow APM's lead. Nigeria possesses the market size, skilled workforce, and economic dynamism needed for world-class maritime infrastructure, he noted.
Van den Essen praised the President's reform trajectory before the meeting. He said investor confidence has strengthened considerably under the current administration.
APM Terminals has operated in Nigeria for over two decades, the executive noted. His company views the country as a strategic hub within its continental operations.
Technology-driven port operations and world-class terminal infrastructure remain central to APM's expansion plans. Van den Essen reaffirmed the company's commitment to deepening investments here.
He also commended the National Single Window initiative launched by the government. This system has simplified trade procedures and reduced cargo clearance delays significantly.
In a separate meeting, Tinubu engaged executives from Winme Group on investment partnerships. He pushed for deeper collaboration across logistics, mining, shipping, and integrated infrastructure.
Integrated investments are essential, the President stressed. Ports must be linked with transport networks, processing centres, and export facilities to boost industrial competitiveness.
Winme Group's delegation expressed confidence in Nigeria's long-term prospects. Officials said they've been closely monitoring the government's reform efforts with keen interest.
