…as FG, Maersk discuss extension of Apapa, Onne Port Concessions
APM Terminals has taken a major step towards the development of the proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Badagry Port Development Limited, as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to attract long-term private investment into Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure.
The agreement was signed in Copenhagen on Monday, September 7, 2026, during the visit of Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, who led a Federal Government delegation to Denmark as part of efforts to deepen maritime cooperation and strengthen investment partnerships between both countries.
Signed by the Group Chief Executive Officer of A.P. Moller–Maersk, Vincent Clerc, on behalf of APM Terminals, and Managing Director of Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited, Didi Ndiomu, the MoU commits the parties to exclusive negotiations towards the development of the greenfield Badagry Port project.
The proposed deep-seaport is expected to significantly expand Nigeria’s deepwater port capacity, accommodate larger container vessels, create new transshipment opportunities and strengthen the country’s position as a major trade and logistics gateway for West Africa.
Speaking on the development, Oyetola said the agreement reflects the Federal Government’s determination to modernise the nation’s maritime infrastructure while creating an investment-friendly environment capable of attracting global players.
“Our engagement in Denmark underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and unlocking the full potential of our blue economy. Partnering with global terminal operators like APM Terminals to explore strategic greenfield developments such as the Badagry Port is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of positioning Nigeria as West Africa’s premier trade and logistics hub,” Oyetola said.
The minister’s engagement with APM Terminals also covered the proposed extension of the company’s port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne.
The discussions underline the Federal Government’s broader strategy of combining the expansion of existing port facilities with the development of new deepwater infrastructure to increase cargo-handling capacity, improve efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional trade.
APM Terminals said the proposed Badagry development could be transformational for Nigeria’s maritime economy, particularly by creating substantial opportunities for transshipment and reducing pressure on existing city-based ports.
Managing Director, Africa & Europe, APM Terminals, Igor van den Essen, said the company remained committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through long-term investment in the country’s maritime infrastructure.
“APM Terminals is keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and position as a trade hub in West Africa. We believe further investing long-term in our concessions in Apapa and Onne helps doing that, and we were pleased to have a constructive dialogue about this today. Additionally, developing Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestions in city ports and further open new opportunities,” he said.
Van den Essen also welcomed the Federal Government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment and consolidate Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa.
“APM Terminals is encouraged by the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment, and strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime gateway in West Africa, and we are proud to play a part in that ambition. We strongly believe that public-private partnerships help us deliver results that support growth because they drive long-term investment, a better business environment and, thereby, competitiveness in a rapidly developing market,” he said.
For Ndiomu, the MoU signals a new chapter in Nigeria’s maritime development and represents a major vote of confidence in the country’s long-term port investment prospects.
“Investing in maritime infrastructure and especially in Badagry as a greenfield port project together with APM Terminals is the beginning of Nigeria becoming the true maritime capital of sub-Saharan Africa in full alignment with the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious maritime growth strategy,” he said.
The proposed Badagry Deep-Seaport is envisaged as a strategic addition to Nigeria’s existing port network, offering a modern deepwater gateway capable of receiving larger container vessels and handling increased cargo volumes.
Beyond serving Nigeria’s domestic trade, the facility is expected to enhance the country’s capacity to function as a regional transshipment hub, enabling cargo destined for markets across West and Central Africa to be routed through Nigeria.
The project is also expected to improve supply-chain resilience, ease congestion at existing city ports and create new opportunities for trade, logistics, investment and employment.
The agreement forms part of the wider Federal Government engagement in Denmark aimed at strengthening Nigeria-Denmark maritime relations, attracting international capital and advancing the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.