May 15, (THEWILL) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive to reposition Nigeria as a leading investment destination in Africa gained fresh momentum on Thursday as global port and logistics giant APM Terminals announced plans to inject $600 million into the country’s maritime and logistics sector.
The investment, which will focus largely on the modernisation of Apapa Port and the expansion of logistics infrastructure, was disclosed during a strategic meeting between President Tinubu and senior executives of APM Terminals on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.
The APM Terminals delegation was led by Regional President for Africa-Europe, Igor van den Essen, and included the company’s Head of Investments, Martijn Van Dongen, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke.
Speaking during the engagement, van den Essen disclosed that the proposed $600 million investment would be deployed towards the modernisation and expansion of Apapa Port facilities, improvement of logistics infrastructure, enhancement of cargo handling capacity, and development of technology-driven terminal operations.
He explained that the investment forms part of APM Terminals’ long-term strategic commitment to Nigeria and its determination to support the country’s ambition of becoming a major maritime and logistics hub on the African continent.
According to him, Nigeria remains one of the company’s most important operational destinations in Africa due to its market size, trade potential, and strategic location.
Van den Essen noted that APM Terminals has maintained a strong operational presence in Nigeria for more than two decades, during which it has made substantial investments in port infrastructure, terminal operations, and logistics services.
He stated that the company’s confidence in Nigeria has been further strengthened by the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, policy consistency, and renewed emphasis on improving the investment climate.
The APM executive specifically praised the Federal Government’s implementation of the National Single Window initiative, describing it as a transformative policy capable of significantly improving trade efficiency and reducing bottlenecks within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to him, the initiative has already begun streamlining trade procedures, improving coordination among government agencies, accelerating cargo clearance processes, and reducing operational delays at the ports.
Van den Essen said modern and efficient port systems are critical to attracting international trade and investment, adding that APM Terminals is prepared to partner with Nigeria in building globally competitive port infrastructure driven by innovation and digital technology.
Responding, President Tinubu welcomed the proposed investment, describing it as a strong demonstration of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economic direction and reform agenda.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the country into a globally competitive economy through bold reforms, infrastructure development, trade facilitation, and strategic public-private partnerships.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria can no longer afford to operate with outdated systems and structural inefficiencies that undermine productivity within the maritime and logistics sectors. He emphasised the need for modern technology, faster cargo processing systems, improved operational standards, and world-class infrastructure capable of supporting industrialisation, manufacturing, and export growth.
According to the President, efficient ports and integrated logistics systems are essential to reducing the cost of doing business, improving competitiveness, and unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
Tinubu further stated that Nigeria possesses the population strength, entrepreneurial capacity, and market opportunities required to sustain large-scale investments in maritime infrastructure and logistics. He called on international investors to take advantage of the reforms being implemented by his administration, assuring them of government support and commitment to creating a stable and business-friendly environment.
The President also stressed the importance of deeper collaboration between the government and the private sector in addressing infrastructure deficits and accelerating economic transformation.
In another strategic engagement at the forum, President Tinubu met with executives of Winme Group, where discussions centred on expanding investment partnerships across logistics, mining, shipping, transport systems, and integrated infrastructure development.
During the meeting, Tinubu emphasised the importance of integrated investments that connect ports, transportation corridors, processing zones, manufacturing centres, and export infrastructure.
He explained that such coordinated investments are critical to driving industrial growth, boosting exports, creating jobs, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness within regional and global markets.
The President noted that Nigeria is actively pursuing policies aimed at unlocking value across critical sectors of the economy while positioning the country as a gateway for investment and trade in Africa.
Executives of Winme Group expressed optimism about Nigeria’s long-term economic outlook and investment opportunities, noting that they had closely monitored the administration’s reforms and the positive signals emerging from the economy.
They also indicated interest in exploring long-term partnerships capable of supporting infrastructure development and industrial expansion in Nigeria.
The meetings formed part of President Tinubu’s engagements at the Africa CEO Forum, one of the continent’s leading gatherings of political leaders, investors, multinational corporations, and policymakers focused on advancing trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
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