The Federal Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with APM Terminals for the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport, after years of delays stalled the project.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, led a Federal Government delegation to Denmark as part of efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation and attract further investment into Nigeria’s port infrastructure.

In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the MoU, signed in Copenhagen on September 7, 2026, marked a significant step towards developing the greenfield port project.

The proposed port is expected to provide additional deepwater capacity, accommodate larger container vessels and create new transshipment opportunities for Nigeria and the wider West African market.

Oyetola said the agreement commits the parties to exclusive negotiations to explore the development of Badagry Port, with APM Terminals expressing its commitment to advancing the project.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for long-term private-sector investment.

As part of the engagement with APM Terminals, the parties also discussed the extension of the company’s port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne.

Oyetola said the proposed Badagry project was expected to complement existing port infrastructure by providing a new deepwater gateway capable of handling larger vessels and supporting increased cargo volumes.

Managing Director, Africa and Europe, APM Terminals, Igor van den Essen, said the development could be transformational for Nigeria’s role in West African trade, particularly by creating significant new opportunities for transshipment.

He said APM Terminals was keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and position the country as a trade hub in West Africa.

Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited, Didi Ndiomu, described the proposed investment as the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development.

Ndiomu said the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport would strengthen Nigeria’s port network by enabling larger container vessels to call at the country, while supporting greater supply-chain resilience and opening new trade opportunities.

He said the project would also enhance Nigeria’s capacity to serve as a regional transshipment hub, allowing cargo destined for other West and Central African markets to be handled through a strategically located deepwater facility.