Shippers’ Council Acknowledges Operators’ $600m Apapa Port Expansion Proposal

The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has acknowledged a proposed $600 million expansion plan by APM Terminals Apapa, describing it as a strong signal of investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector and reform agenda.

The acknowledgement came during a familiarisation visit by the NSC Board to the APM Terminals Apapa facility in Lagos

The chairman of the NSC Board, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, said the Council is committed to its statutory role as the nation’s port economic regulator and will continue to promote collaboration across the maritime value chain to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

He noted that strengthening partnerships between government and private operators remained critical to positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

“The way the organisations involved their stakeholders is notable,” Shema said.

“It shows that government is very serious about generating revenue through this sector, and there is no doubt that foreign investors are interested in committing even more resources.”

He added that the Board was particularly encouraged by the terminal operator’s expansion plans, including the proposed $600 million investment.

Also speaking, the executive secretary, Dr Pius Akutah, said the Council is intensifying oversight across the sector to ensure compliance, innovation, and improved service delivery.

“We are monitoring the various entities operating within the sector to assess their performance and determine how best to enhance it,” Akutah said.

“Many operators are already aligning with our directives to modernise their facilities and adopt technology-driven processes.”
He lauded APM Terminals Apapa for its operations, noting that export cargo volumes have grown by about 30 per cent.

According to him, the increase signals progress toward a more balanced trade structure for Nigeria, which has long been import-dependent. He added that emerging export opportunities, particularly in manufacturing and petroleum products, present further growth potential under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“With new industrial capacity coming on stream, Nigeria has strong potential to expand its export base,” he said.
Akutah also described the proposed $600 million investment by APM Terminals as timely, noting that it aligns with the federal government’s drive to attract foreign direct investment and modernise port infrastructure.
“At a time when government is actively seeking investment inflows, it is reassuring to see existing operators reinvesting and expanding their commitments,” he said.
Earlier, the managing director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, said the terminal has embraced digital technology through electronic data interchange systems, replacing manual processes with automated platforms that improve efficiency and transparency in cargo handling.
He said the system allows seamless exchange of documents such as invoices, bills of lading, and cargo updates between stakeholders, significantly reducing delays and improving accuracy.
“This transition to electronic data interchange has transformed our operations,” Alhraishat said. “It has enhanced efficiency, improved transparency, and strengthened communication across the entire logistics chain.”
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to continued investment in infrastructure and technology to support Nigeria’s trade growth and port competitiveness.