The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Shippers Council, has received a proposal for an additional $600m investment in Nigeria’s maritime sector from APM Terminals Apapa.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akutah, disclosed this during a familiarisation visit by the NSC Governing Board to the terminal last week.
According to Akutah, the proposed investment represents a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economy and the maritime industry.
“APM Terminals has already presented a proposal to invest an additional $600m in the sector. This is highly encouraging,” he said.
Akutah noted that the Federal Government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment are beginning to yield results, especially as existing investors continue to expand their operations in the country.
“It is truly heartening and signals a promising period for the country,” he added.
The NSC boss stressed that the council remains committed to monitoring operators in the maritime sector to ensure compliance with regulations, innovation, and improved service delivery.
He explained that operators are increasingly embracing modernisation and technology-driven systems in line with the vision of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Akutah also commended APM Terminals Apapa for improvements in export operations, revealing that export cargo volumes at the terminal had risen by about 30 per cent.
According to him, the growth signals positive movement toward improving Nigeria’s trade balance, which has historically been weighed down by heavy import dependence.
He added that Nigeria’s export potential could further expand through the export of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery and increased manufacturing activities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NSC Board, Ibrahim Shema, praised the terminal operator for maintaining high operational standards and improving stakeholder engagement.
Shema reaffirmed the council’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s position as a maritime hub for West and Central Africa.
“Most of what I have seen on this visit is quite impressive. It shows that the government is very serious about generating revenue for this country through this sector,” he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, highlighted the company’s transition from manual processes to electronic data interchange systems.
He explained that the digital system enables faster and more transparent exchange of shipping documents, including invoices, bills of lading, and cargo updates.
According to Alhraishat, the adoption of digital solutions has significantly improved operational efficiency, accuracy, and communication among terminal operators, shipping lines, and shippers.
He added that the company remains committed to investing in infrastructure and technology to support Nigeria’s trade and maritime ambitions.
