In a significant event set to transform Nigerian maritime logistics, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will officially commission the newly upgraded West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State, next Wednesday. This state-of-the-art facility, operated by APM Terminals, is Nigeria’s largest and most efficient container terminal outside Lagos, marking a major advancement in the country’s port infrastructure.
The $115 million (approximately N178.2 billion) upgrade project, which began in 2021, reflects APM Terminals and its partners’ dedication to boosting Nigeria’s maritime capabilities. Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT, described the upgrade as a historic milestone for the Nigerian port sector.
“We are excited to announce the successful completion of the terminal upgrade at Onne Port. This development is set to be a game-changer for Nigeria, and we’re thoroughly excited about the future it heralds,” Jose stated. “The new investment of $115 million is a testament to APM Terminals’ trust and confidence in the Nigerian economy and supports our broader mission of improving lives globally while fostering trade.”
WACT holds a unique position in Nigeria’s maritime history as the first greenfield container terminal developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Located in the Oil and Gas Free Zone in Onne, Rivers State, WACT has become a key gateway for trade, serving the Eastern region of Nigeria and beyond.
The terminal’s capabilities were notably demonstrated on August 15, 2020, when it accommodated 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, has a capacity of around 10,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEU). This event highlighted the terminal’s enhanced operational capacity and its crucial role in facilitating large-scale trade, boosting Nigeria’s status in the global shipping industry.
The commissioning ceremony is expected to draw numerous high-profile dignitaries, underscoring the project’s significance. Among the anticipated attendees are Governors, Ministers, and heads of key government agencies, such as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). Representatives from major shipping companies, freight forwarding associations, as well as importers and exporters, will also be present, highlighting the broad support and anticipation for this development.
The upgraded WACT terminal is set to significantly boost economic growth, not just in Rivers State but throughout Nigeria. By enhancing the efficiency and capacity of Nigeria’s ports, the upgraded terminal will play a key role in easing congestion at the Lagos ports, streamlining trade routes, and reducing costs associated with shipping delays. This development aligns with the federal government’s broader economic agenda to diversify and strengthen the non-oil sectors by improving critical infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of an evolving global trade environment, the upgraded WACT terminal at Onne symbolizes progress. It sends a clear message to the international community that Nigeria is prepared to meet the demands of modern global trade and is committed to building a resilient and prosperous future.
