West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) – APM Terminals Nigeria, located at Onne Port in Rivers State, has been recognized as the Most Outstanding Terminal Operator of the Year 2024 at the 27th edition of the Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA).
The prestigious MIMA event, which took place on Tuesday in Lagos, is an annual platform that celebrates excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions from stakeholders within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
This year’s theme, “Rewards of Excellence,” underscored the importance of performance-driven leadership and sustained sectoral growth.
Other award recipients at the event included the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; and the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, among others.
WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria, a subsidiary of global ports and terminal operator APM Terminals, has established itself as a vital logistics hub for Nigeria’s import and export activities, particularly in the eastern corridor.
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Operating within the Oil and Gas Free Zone at Onne Port, WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria is the country’s first greenfield container terminal developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Since commencing operations in 2006, it has made significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, technology, and workforce development—resulting in consistently high levels of operational efficiency and service delivery.
Receiving the award, Innocent Ogbuji, General Manager, Government and Public Relations at WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria, described the recognition as a validation of the terminal’s drive for excellence.
“This recognition is a testament to WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to upgrading both our terminal and our people. We have deployed cutting-edge equipment and digital solutions that continue to boost our operational efficiency. We remain focused on continuous improvement in order to stay competitive within and beyond Nigeria,” Ogbuji said.
He also expressed gratitude to the organizers for recognizing the terminal’s contribution to the industry.
Also speaking, Jeethu Jose, Managing Director of WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria, emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence and its role in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
“This award is a strong validation of the dedication, hard work, and strategic investments we have made to transform WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria into a world-class terminal. We are proud to be recognized for our commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. Our goal remains to support Nigeria’s trade and industrial development through innovation, efficiency, and sustainable practices,” Jose stated.
The Most Outstanding Terminal Operator award adds to a growing list of accolades WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria has received in recent months. In 2024, the terminal was honored with the Comptroller General of Customs Award as the “Best Terminal Operator” in Nigeria—highlighting its exceptional performance and substantial contribution to port development. Additionally, in February 2025, WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria was presented with the Special Economic Zones Industry Pacesetter Award by the Nigerian Economic Zones Authority (NEZA), further reinforcing its leadership position in logistics and trade facilitation.
WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria’s continued transformation was also marked by the launch of a comprehensive USD 115 million terminal upgrade project, inaugurated in 2024 by Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima. The project includes extensive yard expansion, the acquisition of state-of-the-art container handling equipment, and the construction of a modern administrative complex. These investments are aimed at aligning WACT’s capabilities with global port standards and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
Today, WACT–APM Terminals Nigeria stands as the most efficient gateway for cargo handling outside Lagos, serving as a strategic trade hub for Eastern Nigeria and the broader West African region.
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