By Tunde Ojudun
Nigeria’s economic reform agenda received a major boost as global port operator APM Terminals pledged a $600 million investment in the country’s maritime industry.
The announcement was made by Igor van den Essen, Regional President for Africa-Europe, during a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda. The investment will focus on modernizing Apapa Port, expanding logistics infrastructure, and driving technology-enabled efficiency across Nigeria’s ports.
President Tinubu welcomed the commitment, stressing that Nigeria is determined to overcome structural bottlenecks and outdated systems. He emphasized the need for advanced technology, faster cargo processing, and improved operational efficiency, noting that Nigeria’s market scale and talent base can support world-class maritime infrastructure.
Van den Essen praised Tinubu’s reform agenda, particularly the establishment of the National Single Window (NSW), which has streamlined trade procedures and reduced cargo clearance delays. He reaffirmed APM Terminals’ long-term commitment to Nigeria, citing over two decades of collaboration and investment in the country’s port ecosystem.
In a separate meeting with Winme Group executives, President Tinubu called for deeper partnerships in logistics, mining, shipping, and integrated infrastructure development, highlighting the importance of linking ports with transport systems, processing facilities, and export hubs to drive industrial growth.
Both delegations expressed confidence in Nigeria’s long-term investment potential, underscoring the renewed momentum created by ongoing reforms.