In a significant development for Nigerian maritime logistics, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will inaugurate the newly upgraded West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State today. The facility, operated by APM Terminals, is now Nigeria’s largest and most efficient container terminal outside Lagos, marking a major advancement in the nation’s port infrastructure.
The $115 million (approximately N178.2 billion) upgrade project, which began in 2021, reflects APM Terminals’ and its partners’ commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s maritime capabilities. Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT, highlighted the transformative impact of this upgrade, describing it as a historic milestone for the Nigerian port sector.
“We are excited to announce the completion of our terminal upgrade at Onne Port. This development is set to revolutionize Nigeria’s maritime landscape, and we are eager about the future it promises,” Jose stated. “The $115 million investment not only underscores APM Terminals’ confidence in the Nigerian economy but also supports our mission to improve global trade while enhancing lives.”
WACT has a notable history as Nigeria’s first greenfield container terminal developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Located within the Oil and Gas Free Zone in Onne, the terminal has become a crucial trade gateway, extending beyond Lagos and serving as an essential conduit for Eastern Nigeria’s economic activities.
The terminal’s expanded capabilities were highlighted on August 15, 2020, when it welcomed the largest container vessel ever to dock at any Nigerian port. The Maersk Stadelhorn, measuring 300 meters in length and 48.2 meters in width, with a capacity of around 10,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU), demonstrated the terminal’s enhanced operational capacity and its role in supporting large-scale trade.
The commissioning ceremony is anticipated to draw numerous high-profile dignitaries, including governors, ministers, and heads of key government agencies such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). Major shipping companies, freight forwarding associations, importers, and exporters will also be in attendance, highlighting the broad support and anticipation for this development.
The upgraded WACT terminal is expected to significantly boost economic growth for Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole. By enhancing the efficiency and capacity of Nigerian ports, the terminal will help alleviate congestion at the Lagos ports, streamline trade routes, and reduce shipping delays. This development aligns with the federal government’s broader economic agenda to diversify and strengthen non-oil sectors through improved infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and enhanced global competitiveness.
As Nigeria adapts to the evolving global trade environment, the upgraded WACT terminal stands as a symbol of progress and a testament to the nation’s readiness to meet modern trade demands while building a resilient and prosperous future.
