Not less than fresh $600m will be invested into the maritime sector of the Nigeria’s economy, the Regional President, APM Terminals Africa-Europe, Igor van den Essen has promised.
Igor van den Essen made the pledge when he led other executives of APM Terminals, including Head of Investments, APM Terminals, Martijn Van Dongen, and CEO, APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, to meet with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
With this pledge by the multinational firm which is already operating in Nigeria’s busiest port, Apapa Port, Lagos, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic and investment drive has received a further boost.
These were contained in a State House press release signed by the Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Igor van den Essen said the proposed investments will be deployed in Apapa port modernisation, logistics infrastructure, and long-term private-sector investment in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The statement quoted Tinubu welcoming the investments just as he emphasised that Nigeria is repositioning itself for greater competitiveness through ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure modernisation.
The President said the country is determined to move beyond structural bottlenecks and outdated systems, stressing the need for advanced technology, faster cargo processing, and improved operational efficiency across the nation’s ports.
He emphasised that Nigeria possesses the market scale, talent base, and economic potential to support globally competitive maritime and logistics infrastructure investments and called on other investors to take advantage of Nigeria’s reform outcomes.
Earlier, Igor van den Essen lauded President Tinubu’s reform agenda and policy direction, which had strengthened investor confidence and created renewed momentum for long-term infrastructure investments.
Describing Nigeria as a strategic stronghold within its African operations, referencing over 20 years of collaboration and substantial existing investments in the country’s port ecosystem, he reaffirmed his company’s commitment to expanding investments in Nigeria.
He disclosed plans to support the development of world-class terminal infrastructure and technology-driven port operations even as he commended President Tinubu for establishing the National Single Window (NSW), which has streamlined trade procedures, improved Customs coordination, and reduced delays in cargo clearance.
The statement added that in another meeting with Winme Group executives, Tinubu called for deeper investment partnerships to unlock Nigeria’s opportunities in logistics, mining, shipping, and integrated infrastructure development.
He stressed the need for integrated investments linking ports, transport systems, processing facilities, and export infrastructure to drive industrial growth and competitiveness.
The delegation expressed confidence in Nigeria’s long-term investment potential, having closely followed President Tinubu’s reforms.
