APM Terminals signs MoU to develop Badagry deep-sea port as Oyetola leads FG delegation to Denmark

APM Terminals signs MoU to develop Badagry deep-sea port as Oyetola leads FG delegation to Denmark

By Sarah Kitka

Abuja (Core Reporters) APM Terminals has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the proposed Badagry Deep Sea Port, as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, led a Federal Government delegation to Denmark to strengthen maritime cooperation and attract further investment in Nigeria’s port infrastructure.

The MoU, signed in Copenhagen on Monday 7 September 2026, marks a significant step towards the development of the greenfield port project, which is expected to provide additional deep-water capacity, accommodate larger container ships and create new transhipment opportunities for Nigeria and the wider West African market.

The agreement was signed by AP Moller–Maersk Group CEO, Vincent Clerc, on behalf of APM Terminals, and the CEO of Badagry Port Development Limited and Quinn McGrath Marine and Environmental Services Limited, Didi Ndiomu.

The MoU commits the parties to exclusive negotiations to explore the development of the Port of Badagry, with APM Terminals expressing its commitment to take the project forward.

The development was part of wider engagements during Oyetola’s visit to Denmark, where the Minister and his delegation held discussions with senior representatives of the Danish Government and the wider Danish maritime sector.

Oyetola said the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for long-term private sector investment in the sector.

“Our commitment to Denmark underlines 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 such as APM Terminals to explore strategic greenfield developments such as the Port of Badagry is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to position Nigeria as West Africa’s premier trade and logistics hub,” Oyetola said.

As part of the engagement with APM Terminals, the parties also discussed the extension of the company’s port concessions at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne.

The proposed Badagry project is expected to complement existing port infrastructure by providing a new deepwater gateway capable of handling larger vessels and supporting greater cargo volumes.

APM Terminals said the development could transform Nigeria’s role in West African trade, particularly by creating significant new transshipment opportunities.

“APM Terminals is keen to contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth and position as a trade hub in West Africa. We believe that further long-term investment in our concessions in Apapa and Onne will help achieve this, and we are pleased to have a constructive dialogue on this today. Furthermore, the development of Badagry as a greenfield project will further ease congestion in the city’s ports and open up new opportunities,” Igor van den, Managing Director of Africa & Europe, APM Terminals, part of the AP Group Moller–Maersk. Essen, he said.

Van den Essen added that APM Terminals was encouraged by the Nigerian government’s ambition to expand trade, attract investment and strengthen the country’s position as a major maritime gateway in West Africa.

“We firmly believe that public-private partnerships help us deliver results that support growth because they drive long-term investments, a better business environment and, therefore, competitiveness in a rapidly developing market,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Badagry Port Development Limited, Didi Ndiomu, has described the proposed investment as the beginning of a new phase in Nigeria’s maritime development.

“Investing in maritime infrastructure and particularly 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 ambitious maritime growth strategy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government,” Ndiomu said.

The proposed Badagry deep-sea port is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s port network by allowing larger container ships to call in the country, while supporting greater supply chain resilience and opening up new business opportunities.

The project will also enhance Nigeria’s ability to serve as a regional transhipment hub, allowing cargo destined for other West and Central African markets to be moved through a strategically located deep-water facility.