By our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive to attract foreign investment received a major boost on Thursday as global port operator APM Terminals announced plans to invest $600 million in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The pledge was made during a meeting between President Tinubu and top executives of APM Terminals on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
The delegation was led by the Regional President of APM Terminals Africa-Europe, Igor van den Essen, alongside the company’s Head of Investments, Martijn Van Dongen, and the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke.
According to van den Essen, the proposed investment will focus on the modernisation of Apapa Port, logistics infrastructure development, and other long-term private sector investments aimed at improving Nigeria’s maritime operations.
President Tinubu welcomed the development, stating that Nigeria is repositioning itself for greater economic competitiveness through ongoing reforms and infrastructure upgrades.
The President noted that his administration is committed to eliminating structural bottlenecks and modernising outdated systems within the country’s port sector.
He stressed the importance of deploying advanced technology, faster cargo processing systems, and improved operational efficiency across Nigerian ports to support trade and economic growth.
Tinubu also said Nigeria possesses the market size, skilled workforce, and economic potential required to sustain world-class maritime and logistics infrastructure.
He encouraged more international investors to take advantage of the opportunities created by his administration’s economic reforms.
Earlier, van den Essen commended Tinubu’s policy direction and reform agenda, describing them as measures that have restored investor confidence and renewed interest in long-term infrastructure investments in Nigeria.
He described Nigeria as a strategic hub in APM Terminals’ African operations, citing the company’s more than 20 years of operations and substantial investments in the country’s port ecosystem.
The APM executive also praised the establishment of the National Single Window initiative, noting that it has improved customs coordination, streamlined trade procedures, and reduced delays in cargo clearance.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu also met with executives of Winme Group, where he called for deeper investment partnerships in logistics, mining, shipping, and integrated infrastructure development.
He emphasised the need for investments that connect ports, transport systems, processing facilities, and export infrastructure to boost industrialisation and economic competitiveness.
The Winme Group delegation expressed confidence in Nigeria’s long-term investment potential, citing the administration’s ongoing reforms as a major attraction for investors.
The meetings formed part of Tinubu’s engagements at the Africa CEO Forum, which brings together political leaders, investors, and business executives from across Africa and beyond.
