WACT-APM TERMINALS APPOINTS FIRST NIGERIAN MD

West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), operated by APM Terminals, has appointed Mr. Chinedu Eke as its first Nigerian Managing Director, marking a significant milestone in the company’s localisation drive and commitment to indigenous talent development.

The appointment, announced on Friday, takes immediate effect. Mr. Eke, who has over 18 years of experience in port operations and supply chain management, previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of WACT. His elevation is seen as a strategic step to deepen local content and strengthen operational leadership at the terminal.

APM Terminals Nigeria Country Director, Mr. Morten Andersen, described the appointment as a proud moment for the organisation. “Chinedu’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of the Nigerian operating environment make him the ideal leader to take WACT to greater heights. This appointment reflects our belief in building strong local teams,” Andersen stated.

Mr. Eke expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to drive efficiency, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration at the terminal. “I am honoured to lead WACT at this critical time. We will focus on delivering world-class services, supporting trade facilitation, and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic growth,” he said.

WACT, located in Onne Port, Rivers State, is one of the busiest container terminals in the Niger Delta region. The terminal has recorded steady growth in throughput and has been instrumental in decongesting Lagos ports while supporting economic activities in the eastern part of the country.

Maritime stakeholders welcomed the development, describing it as a positive signal for local capacity building in the ports sector. The President of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dock Labour Employers Association, Mr. Emeka Nwokedi, commended APM Terminals for the landmark appointment.

The new Managing Director is expected to focus on infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and enhanced customer service as the terminal positions itself for increased regional trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Analysts believe the appointment will further strengthen WACT’s operational performance and contribute to the broader goal of developing indigenous expertise in Nigeria’s maritime industry.