…Investment to boost Eastern Ports, support 2 million-tonne annual imports
By Mercy Aikoye
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has projected double-digit growth in cargo throughput and revenue following BUA Group’s $85 million investment in expanding its Port Harcourt terminal, describing the project as a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s eastern ports and improving national trade capacity.
Speaking after receiving Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, at the Authority’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the investment would increase cargo volumes, enhance government revenue and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
According to him, the Authority is committed to deepening collaboration with private investors to unlock the full potential of the nation’s maritime sector.
“BUA has remained one of our major stakeholders over the years. It is expected that we continue to work closely with investors, both large and small, to expand port infrastructure, particularly in the eastern corridor,” Dantsoho said.
He noted that BUA’s growing investments in both Lagos and Port Harcourt would help spread cargo traffic across the country’s ports while creating greater economic value.
“As cargo volumes increase, whether through imports or exports, government revenue also grows. That is what is expected of us,” he stated.
The NPA boss projected that the expansion could drive between 13 and 14 per cent growth in cargo traffic, describing the figure as a significant achievement in the global port industry.
“We are going to have more cargo volumes. Once you have volumes, you create more value, and that means more dollars and more naira for the economy,” he added.
Dantsoho also highlighted recent improvements in Nigeria’s port performance, noting that Apapa and Tin Can Island ports were recently recognised by S&P and the World Bank among the 20 most improved ports globally.
He attributed the progress to stronger collaboration between the NPA and private sector operators and commended President Bola Tinubu for promoting investor-friendly policies in the maritime sector.
Earlier, BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, disclosed that the company is investing about $85 million to expand its Port Harcourt terminal in preparation for the rapid growth of BUA Foods.
He said the expansion, expected to be completed next year, will enable the company to handle more than two million tonnes of imported raw materials annually.
“We’re expanding BUA Foods in Port Harcourt, and when the project is completed, we expect to import over two million tonnes of raw materials every year. That requires a modern terminal and adequate port infrastructure,” Rabiu said.
He disclosed that the project would deliver approximately 600 metres of quay frontage, significantly increasing the company’s cargo-handling capacity and strengthening its logistics network across its food, cement, mining and infrastructure businesses.
Rabiu also praised the NPA management for its continued support, recalling that the Port Harcourt terminal project had previously faced the threat of revocation before receiving renewed backing from the Authority.
The BUA chairman further stressed that Nigeria must continue investing in modern port infrastructure to match the size of its economy and unlock greater industrial growth.
The expansion is expected to reinforce Port Harcourt’s position as a strategic gateway for cargo movement, while supporting industrial development, boosting government revenue and improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.
