. As Tinubu seeks deeper investment partnerships

President Bola Tinubu’s investment drive received a major boost on Thursday as global port operator APM Terminals pledged a fresh $600 million investment in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Regional President, APM Terminals Africa-Europe, Igor van den Essen, disclosed this during a meeting with President Tinubu on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa CEO Forum in Kigali.

The delegation also included Head of Investments at APM Terminals, Martijn Van Dongen, and CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke.

Van den Essen said the proposed investment would support the modernisation of the Apapa port, expand logistics infrastructure, and strengthen long-term private sector participation in Nigeria’s maritime industry.

President Tinubu welcomed the investment commitment, noting that Nigeria is repositioning itself for greater competitiveness through ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure renewal.

He said the administration was determined to eliminate structural bottlenecks and outdated systems in the maritime sector, stressing the need for advanced technology, faster cargo processing, and improved operational efficiency across the nation’s ports.

The President added that Nigeria possesses the market size, human capital, and economic potential required to sustain globally competitive maritime and logistics infrastructure, urging more investors to take advantage of the country’s reform momentum.

Earlier, van den Essen commended President Tinubu’s reform agenda and policy direction, which he said had boosted investor confidence and created fresh momentum for long-term infrastructure investments.

He described Nigeria as a strategic hub within APM Terminals’ African operations, citing over two decades of collaboration and substantial existing investments in the country’s port ecosystem.

He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Nigeria through the development of world-class terminal infrastructure and technology-driven port operations.

Van den Essen also praised the establishment of the National Single Window initiative, saying it had streamlined trade procedures, improved Customs coordination, and reduced delays in cargo clearance.

In a separate meeting with executives of Winme Group, President Tinubu called for deeper investment partnerships to unlock opportunities in logistics, mining, shipping, and integrated infrastructure development.

He emphasised the importance of coordinated investments connecting ports, transport systems, processing facilities, and export infrastructure to accelerate industrial growth and national competitiveness.

The Winme Group delegation expressed confidence in Nigeria’s long-term investment prospects, citing the administration’s ongoing economic reforms.