The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola and the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) have deepened collaboration between the Federal Government and the private sector in advancing the nation’s maritime and blue economy agenda.
During a courtesy visit of a high-level delegation from the ICTSI to the minister’s office in Abuja, discussions at the meeting focused on the current operational developments at Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) and explored strategies for its future expansion and efficiency enhancement in line with the Federal Government’s vision for a vibrant and sustainable blue economy.
The ICTSI team, led by the Chairman of ICTSI Nigeria, Farouk Adamu Aliyu, included Vice President, Hans Ole Madsen; the Managing Director of OMT, Nicolo Scannavini; and the Director at OMT, Chidi Nzerem.
Oyetola commended ICTSI for its investments and contributions to Nigeria’s maritime growth, emphasising the Ministry’s readiness to sustain a business-friendly environment that encourages private sector participation and innovation across the sector.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria’s ports globally competitive by ensuring efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. We will continue to work with credible private investors like ICTSI to unlock the immense potential of our blue economy and position Nigeria as a major maritime hub in Africa,” the minister said.
Chairman of ICTSI Nigeria, Farouk Adamu Aliyu, said since commencing operations in 2021, ICTSI’s Onne Multipurpose Terminal has played a transformative role in boosting cargo throughput and reducing vessel turnaround time at the Onne Port Complex in Rivers State.
He said the terminal, designed to handle a diverse range of cargo, including containers, break bulk, project and heavy-lift, and roll-on/roll-off cargo, features a 1,000-metre heavy-lift quay, 45 hectares of yard area, modern warehousing, and four new Gottwald mobile harbour cranes, among other state-of-the-art equipment.
Aliyu stated that in June 2025, Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) made history when it received the Kota Oasis, a Singaporean-flagged, LNG-powered container ship — the first of its kind to berth in West Africa.
He said the vessel’s arrival, operated by Pacific International Lines (PIL), marked a milestone in the region’s shift toward environmentally sustainable shipping and underscored OMT’s commitment to green port operations.
Beyond its operational achievements, Aliyu said OMT has demonstrated strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) leadership in its host communities, particularly in Ogu and the surrounding areas.
According to him, the company has executed several community-focused initiatives, including a Safe Water Scheme, youth empowerment programmes, and vocational training projects aimed at promoting local development and social inclusion.
Managing Director of OMT, Scannavini, said that as one of Nigeria’s key logistics and cargo-handling hubs, Onne Multipurpose Terminal continues to strengthen its position as a vital gateway for maritime trade and logistics in West Africa.
Scannavini said through strategic partnerships, technological advancement and community engagement, OMT remains a driving force in supporting Nigeria’s maritime economy and fostering sustainable growth.
