WACT’s bold push to modernise Nigeria’s port infrastructure

From upgraded equipment and automated gate systems to new barging routes, WACT is reshaping port efficiency in eastern Nigeria. In an interview with Logistics Update Africa, Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of West Africa Container Terminal, APM Terminals, explained how fresh investments, digital tools, and sustainability initiatives are strengthening capacity at Onne Port, easing congestion, and positioning Nigeria for more resilient and competitive trade growth.

APM Terminals announced a USD 115 million investment to upgrade WACT in September 2024. What spurred this new round of spending, and what operational gaps does Onne Port aim to fill?
APM Terminals completed its USD 115 million investment last year and ceremonially inaugurated the projects under this investment in September 2024.  development and global trade. Our mission is to continuously enhance and modernise these facilities to meet the evolving demands of the international logistics and supply chain landscape. In eastern Nigeria, the market was experiencing strong growth prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Recognising this momentum, we saw the need not only to position WACT to support immediate growth but also to ensure the terminal is future-ready and aligned with the next wave of industry innovation. To achieve this, we embarked on a USD 115 million terminal upgrade project at WACT.

This strategic investment was designed to strengthen the terminal’s competitiveness on a global scale, expand trade opportunities for our customers in eastern and northern Nigeria, and elevate the position of Nigerian ports within the international trading community. Importantly, it also enabled us to upskill our workforce and enhance the efficiency and quality of service we deliver to our customers every day.

Despite WACT’s strong performance, Nigerian ports continue to face congestion and infrastructure challenges. How is the terminal navigating these realities while maintaining efficiency and reliability?
Port congestion was predominantly an issue we observed during the Covid times due to factors outside anyone’s control. However, the commendable efforts of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), other government agencies, industry unions, and private operators have turned around the situation.

However, the situation in the eastern ports presents a more encouraging outlook. With the recent terminal upgrade at WACT, we have significantly enhanced our operational speed and efficiency, enabling us to deliver on our promises to customers more effectively. The investment has provided us with state-of-the-art equipment capable of handling cargo more efficiently, an expanded yard for increased container storage, and advanced technology infrastructure designed to improve container turnaround times.

At WACT, we have also deployed on-site scanners fully operated by the Nigeria Customs Service, which has eliminated delays previously associated with physical cargo examinations. Additionally, our Truck Appointment System (TAS), now widely adopted by the trucking community, has streamlined traffic flow, reduced access road congestion, and saved customers considerable costs related to truck waiting times. To ease the pressure on the road infrastructure, we have introduced barging services across Eastern Nigerian ports. Furthermore, the Nigeria Ports Authority is working towards improving and constructing modern road infrastructure that connects the port to federal highways.

These collective initiatives have greatly improved yard utilisation at WACT, ensuring that we maintain sufficient capacity to accommodate additional cargo and new shipping lines. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce more liner services to WACT, providing our growing customer base with broader trade opportunities and expanded global connectivity.

How have recent macroeconomic pressures such as currency volatility and fluctuating trade volumes affected WACT’s operations and investment planning?
Like most businesses, WACT and indeed APM Terminals Nigeria have been impacted by fluctuations in the Naira, inflation, and other macroeconomic factors. Operating within a highly regulated environment, the depreciation of the Naira has had a direct impact not only on our operations but also on our customers. We observed a modest decline in trade volumes a few months ago, reflecting the broader impact on purchasing power and import capacity.

As our tariffs are pre-approved by the government, adjusting rates in response to economic shifts can be challenging due to the potential downstream effects on the market. However, recent signs of economic stability, coupled with the Naira’s renewed strength and a growing investment drive, present a more optimistic outlook.

For us at APM Terminals, there is no better time to invest in Nigeria than now. We have reaffirmed our commitment to the government to continue investing across all our business entities in the country. Nigeria’s economic prospects remain strong, and we are fully aligned with the government’s vision to drive growth, create jobs, and deliver greater prosperity for the Nigerian people.Our ambition at WACT is clear: to be the best-performing terminal in West Africa.

Our ambition at WACT is clear: to be the best-performing terminal in West Africa.
Jeethu Jose,  APM Terminals

How does WACT stay competitive now that several West African ports are adding capacity? What has APM Terminals learnt from running multiple terminals in the area?

APM Terminals is globally recognised as a leading port operator and a hub for innovation in terminal management. As a proud member of the APM Terminals Group, WACT shares this legacy of innovation and operational excellence, consistently setting the benchmark for terminal operations in Nigeria.

Innovation is embedded in our culture. We continuously develop and implement solutions that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, setting standards that others in the industry strive to match. In recent months, we have introduced several value-driven products tailored to the needs of the eastern Nigerian market, further strengthening our relationship with customers and stakeholders.

From the introduction of more liner services to our one-stop container freight station, which has geared up agro-product export in our terminal in line with the federal government’s drive to improve non-oil exports, to barging services, which significantly reduce cost for our landside customers and enhance the safety of their cargoes. Similarly, our culture of excellence and strict adherence to safety standards and practices positions WACT firmly as the preferred terminal for the market and the stakeholders, including the government.

By leveraging global best practices from APM Terminals’ worldwide network, we are able to shape our local strategy, optimise performance, and maintain a strong competitive edge. Our ambition at WACT is clear: to be the best-performing terminal in West Africa, operating at the level of global excellence that defines the APM Terminals brand.

There has been growing debate about whether private port investments are translating into lower logistics costs for local traders. How do you measure WACT’s real impact on Nigeria’s trade competitiveness?
Almost all ports in Nigeria operate under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model today. The sector’s privatisation in the early to mid 2000s fundamentally transformed port operations, making direct comparisons between the pre-privatisation era and the current environment difficult, especially in terms of logistics costs for local traders.

What is clear, however, is that Nigeria’s port sector continues to attract significant private investment from both local and international players. This consistent flow of capital signals that the fundamentals of the sector are strong and that the reforms are delivering value.

The true measure of impact, therefore, extends beyond logistics costs alone; it lies in the broader economic benefits, such as foreign direct investment (FDI), job creation, and expanded trade opportunities that these investments generate.

At WACT, we assess our contribution to Nigeria’s trade competitiveness through measurable gains in efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness across the logistics value chain. Our recently completed USD 115 million investment programme has ushered in a new level of operational capability and stakeholder engagement. It has enhanced the profile of Onne Port, attracted two additional liner services within a short period, and created both direct and indirect employment opportunities.

These developments have also yielded tangible improvements in port performance, reducing vessel waiting times, improving cargo turnaround, and minimising delays that traditionally contributed to elevated logistics costs. By enabling faster cargo clearance and strengthening connections to inland destinations, WACT continues to support traders in moving goods more efficiently and at lower overall cost, while reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a competitive trading hub in the region.

As automation and energy efficiency become key priorities for terminal operators worldwide, what practical steps is WACT taking to modernise operations within the constraints of the local ecosystem?
At WACT, we have made substantial investments in modern, energy-efficient equipment and are steadily advancing our automation agenda. Our services are now largely self-paced and self-initiated, allowing customers to conduct transactions conveniently from their offices. The terminal’s gating system is fully automated, and we have introduced a Truck Appointment System to enhance traffic flow, minimise congestion, and reduce the cost of doing business for our customers.

Beyond operational efficiency, we are also taking a leadership position in shaping a more sustainable maritime future. Earlier this year, we submitted a white paper to the Presidency outlining a comprehensive blueprint for decarbonising Nigerian ports.

To further demonstrate our commitment, WACT recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to develop Onne Port into the first green-powered port in West Africa. This milestone reflects our dedication to driving environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The interview was originally published in the Nov-Dec 2025 issue of Logistics Update Africa.