The Federal Government has commended APM Terminals for committing $500 million to expand port infrastructure and an additional $10 million to deploy advanced cargo scanning technology at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola made the remarks in Abuja during a meeting with a high-level delegation from APM Terminals led by its global Chief Financial Officer Peter Wikstrom and Nigeria CEO Frederik Klinke.
The minister described the investment as timely and aligned with the government’s strategy to modernise port infrastructure and improve operational efficiency across the country.
Oyetola said the investment would support the ongoing effort to raise the competitiveness of Nigeria’s Western ports and affirmed that Eastern ports would also receive attention under a national upgrade framework.
He stated that the Lagos Port Complex had already set a strong example through the infrastructure delivered by APM Terminals and noted that the standard should serve as a benchmark for other terminal operators nationwide.
The minister disclosed that dredging and channel expansion are underway to deepen draft levels at Lagos ports to 16 metres.
This upgrade will allow for larger vessels and reduce shipping turnaround time while improving cost-efficiency for importers and exporters.
In addition to physical upgrades, the government is working with the Nigeria Customs Service to replace manual cargo inspections with automated scanning systems.
Oyetola confirmed that the goal is to eliminate physical checks and move toward full automation of cargo handling.
APM Terminals CFO Peter Wikstrom reaffirmed the company’s long-term interest in Nigeria and said the latest investment underscores its confidence in ongoing reforms within the maritime sector. He added that Nigeria remains a strategic market for APM Terminals’ global operations.
Frederik Klinke, CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, said the company will allocate $10 million toward the acquisition and deployment of modern scanning technology at Apapa Port.
He explained that the scanners will reduce cargo dwell time and support faster clearance procedures.
Klinke confirmed that the company is working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to become the first terminal operator in the country to fully implement advanced cargo scanning solutions.
He said this initiative will significantly reduce reliance on physical container inspections and improve logistics throughput.
The Federal Government’s engagement with APM Terminals reflects a broader policy direction focused on repositioning Nigeria’s port system as a competitive trade hub within West Africa.
As reforms continue, stakeholders have been urged to align with the government’s objectives for an efficient and technology-driven maritime sector.
