The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is targeting double-digit growth in cargo throughput following an $85 million investment by BUA Group in the expansion and modernisation of its terminal operations at Rivers Port, Port Harcourt. The investment is expected to enhance port efficiency, increase cargo handling capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime logistics infrastructure as part of broader efforts to improve trade competitiveness and support economic growth.
The investment was unveiled during the commissioning of newly upgraded terminal facilities, where government officials and industry stakeholders highlighted the importance of private-sector participation in modernising Nigeria’s port infrastructure. The project forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at increasing operational efficiency, reducing cargo clearance times, and improving the country’s position as a regional maritime hub.
According to the NPA, the upgraded terminal features modern cargo-handling equipment, expanded storage facilities, and improved operational systems designed to accommodate higher cargo volumes. The investment is expected to significantly improve vessel turnaround time, reduce port congestion, and enhance service delivery for importers, exporters, and shipping companies operating through the eastern ports.
The Authority noted that increased private investment in port infrastructure is critical to achieving its strategic objective of expanding cargo throughput and strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil economy. Improved port efficiency is expected to facilitate international trade, lower logistics costs, and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses by enabling faster movement of goods through the country’s seaports.
For BUA Group, the investment reflects its continued commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial and logistics ecosystem. The upgraded terminal is expected to support the efficient import of raw materials and the export of finished products while improving supply chain reliability for manufacturers and businesses across the country.
Government officials stated that revitalising the eastern ports is an important component of Nigeria’s maritime development strategy. Increased utilisation of ports outside Lagos is expected to ease pressure on the nation’s busiest ports, encourage balanced regional development, and stimulate economic activities in the South-South and South-East regions.
Industry experts believe the expansion will generate significant economic benefits through increased trade volumes, higher government revenue, job creation, and greater private investment in logistics and maritime services. Improved port infrastructure is also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s participation in regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by facilitating more efficient cross-border commerce.
The development aligns with the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise transport infrastructure and improve the ease of doing business. Enhanced port capacity and operational efficiency are expected to attract additional shipping traffic, reduce supply chain bottlenecks, and support long-term economic diversification.
As Nigeria continues to invest in strategic transport infrastructure, partnerships between public institutions such as the NPA and private investors like BUA Group are expected to play a central role in expanding the country’s logistics capacity and positioning its ports to handle increasing regional and international trade.
