The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has welcomed the proposed $600 million investment by APM Terminals in the country’s maritime sector and its sustainable high operational standards, maintaining its position as a benchmark for port operations in Nigeria.

Speaking during a familiarisation visit to APM Terminals in Apapa, Executive Secretary, NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, said the reinvestment is coming at a time when the Federal Government is actively seeking foreign direct investment into the sector.

He emphasised the Council’s ongoing oversight of operators within the sector to ensure compliance, innovation and improved performance.

Akutah said many of the operators are already aligning with the NSC directives to modernise their facilities, innovate and adopt technology in their operations.

He commended APM Terminals for its strides in operational development, particularly in export growth, rising significantly by about 30 per cent.

Akutah expressed optimism that in the coming years, Nigeria will achieve a more balanced trade position, noting that the country operated largely on importing for a long time, resulting in persistent deficits in the balance of payments.

Akutah noted that while exports remain largely commodity-driven, there are emerging opportunities to diversify.

“It is encouraging to see increased export activity, even if it is still largely raw materials.

With the Dangote Refinery now exporting petroleum products, we expect further progress. In addition, the manufacturing sector holds strong potential, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which provides a unified platform for trade across the continent. We are confident that Nigeria will soon expand its footprint in exporting manufactured goods across Africa,” he stated.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of NSC Board, Dr Ibrahim Shema, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to its statutory role as the nation’s port economic regulator, noting that collaboration across the maritime value chain remains essential to achieving efficiency and competitiveness.

He said the Council would continue to work with key stakeholders to enhance service delivery and position Nigeria as a maritime hub for West and Central Africa, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He urged shippers, shipping lines and terminal operators to deepen cooperation in pursuit of this objective.

Shema said the government is very serious about generating revenue for this country through this sector, noting that there is no doubt that foreign investors are interested in committing even more resources.

He added that the Board was encouraged by indications of prospective investments by the terminal operator.

The Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, highlighted the terminal’s deployment of electronic data interchange systems, replacing manual, paper-based processes with digital solutions that facilitate the seamless exchange of standardised business documents such as invoices, bills of lading and cargo status updates.

Alhraishat said this transition to electronic data interchange represents a significant leap in how the terminal manages operations.