President Bola Tinubu will next Wednesday inaugurate the newly upgraded West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne, Rivers State. The terminal operator disclosed this in a statement, highlighting the $115 million investment that has transformed the facility into Nigeria’s most efficient container terminal outside Lagos. The project, which commenced in 2021, is expected to revolutionize port operations and boost trade in the region.
Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT, described the upgrade as a landmark achievement in the history of Nigerian ports. He emphasized that the successful completion of the terminal’s enhancement underscores APM Terminals’ confidence in the Nigerian economy. According to Jose, this significant investment aligns with their mission to drive global trade while positively impacting lives.
Strategically located within Onne’s oil and gas free zone, WACT has become a vital gateway for accessing markets beyond Lagos, particularly in Eastern Nigeria’s rapidly growing economy. The terminal gained international recognition in August 2020 when it received the Maersk Stadelhorn, the largest container vessel to ever berth in a Nigerian port, marking a historic moment for the country’s maritime industry.