APM Terminals Commits $600 Million to Nigeria’s Maritime Sector
President Bola Tinubu’s vision for economic growth and investment in Nigeria gained momentum on Thursday with APM Terminals announcing a substantial $600 million investment in the nation’s maritime sector. This commitment was disclosed by Igor van den Essen, President of APM Terminals’ Africa and Europe regions, during a meeting with President Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
Investment Focus on Modernization and Logistics
Essen, accompanied by key executives including Martin van Dongen, the Investment Director, and Frederic Klinke, the CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, outlined that the proposed investment will primarily target the modernization of Apapa Port. It aims to enhance logistics infrastructure and foster long-term private investments within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Economic Reforms
In response to the investment announcement, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing its global competitiveness through comprehensive economic reforms and infrastructure upgrades. He underscored the urgency of addressing structural bottlenecks and outdated systems while advocating for the adoption of advanced technology to expedite cargo processing and improve operational efficiency across the nation’s ports.
Investment Climate and Opportunities
Tinubu highlighted that Nigeria possesses the market scale, skilled workforce, and economic potential necessary to support substantial investments in globally competitive maritime and logistics infrastructure. He urged other investors to seize the opportunities created by the country’s reform successes.
Recognition of Reforms Boosting Investor Confidence
Earlier in the meeting, Essen praised President Tinubu’s reform agenda, which he believes has significantly bolstered investor confidence while creating favorable conditions for long-term infrastructure investment. He described Nigeria as a strategic hub for African operations, emphasizing the successful partnerships built over the past two decades within the country’s port ecosystem.
Commitment to Modern Terminal Infrastructure
Essen reaffirmed APM Terminals’ dedication to increasing investments in Nigeria, unveiling plans to develop cutting-edge terminal infrastructure and technology-driven port operations. He commended the president for initiating the National Single Window (NSW), a system that has streamlined trade processes, improved customs coordination, and notably reduced delays in cargo clearance.
Strengthening Partnerships for Industrial Growth
In a separate discussion with executives from Winme Group, President Tinubu called for enhanced investment partnerships to capitalize on Nigeria’s potential within logistics, mining, shipping, and integrated infrastructure development. He emphasized the importance of interconnected investments that unify ports, transport systems, processing facilities, and export infrastructure to drive industrial growth and competitiveness.
The delegation from Winme Group expressed confidence in Nigeria’s robust long-term investment outlook, reflecting a keen interest in President Tinubu’s reform initiatives.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Advisor to the President
(Information and Strategy)
May 14, 2026
