By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to attract private investment into Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, with APM Terminals exploring the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport in Lagos.
The development followed a visit by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and a Federal Government delegation to Denmark to strengthen maritime cooperation and promote investment in Nigeria’s blue economy.
According to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, APM Terminals and Badagry Port Development Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Copenhagen on Monday to explore the development of the greenfield port.
A statement by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, special adviser to the minister, says the agreement commits both parties to exclusive negotiations on the project.
The MoU was signed on behalf of APM Terminals by A.P. Moller–Maersk Group Chief Executive Officer, Vincent Clerc, while Didi Ndiomu, Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited, signed for the development company.
The proposed port is expected to provide additional deepwater capacity, accommodate larger container vessels and create transshipment opportunities for Nigeria and other West African countries.
He said the project could also ease congestion at existing city ports and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional trade and logistics hub.
Oyetola said the Federal Government remained committed to modernising the country’s maritime infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for long-term private-sector investment.
“Our engagement in Denmark underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking the full potential of our blue economy,” he said.
APM Terminals’ Managing Director for Africa and Europe, Igor van den Essen, said the proposed Badagry greenfield development could help ease congestion at existing ports while creating new trade opportunities.
The company also held discussions with the Federal Government on the possible extension of its concessions at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and the West Africa Container Terminal in Onne.
Ndiomu described the agreement as a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development.
The proposed Badagry Port is expected to complement existing facilities by providing additional deepwater capacity for larger vessels and supporting transshipment activities.
The ministry did not disclose the proposed investment value or a construction timeline.
