WACT commissions new Container Freight Station in Onne, Nigeria

The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) operated by APM Terminals at the port of Onne has marked a significant milestone with the official commissioning of its new Container Freight Station (CFS). This strategic investment brings WACT a step closer towards its strategic vision of becoming the 'gateway to Eastern Nigeria and beyond', offering a comprehensive suite of logistics solutions to empower Nigerian businesses which will further boost efficiency and access.

The new CFS provides:

• Networks and Infrastructure - A robust network and advanced infrastructure to seamlessly connect Nigerian businesses to the global marketplace.
• Tailored Logistical Solutions - Expertly crafted solutions designed to expedite the movement of goods, ensuring Just-in-Time service delivery through efficient stuffing and swift transfers to the port.
• Enhanced Ease of Use - Streamlined processes for import and export operations, minimising time and cost for our valued customers.

A one-stop-shop for businesses

This state-of-the-art facility will cater to the needs of both exporters and importers in Eastern Nigeria and beyond. It acts as a central hub for various trade-related activities, including interaction with regulatory authorities. It will also serve as an export powerhouse, providing dedicated services to facilitate the export of key Nigerian commodities like agro products and solid minerals. It also offers a reliable warehousing service for both import and export cargo across diverse sectors.

Speaking during the ceremony to mark the commissioning of the Container Freight Station, WACT Managing Director, Jeethu Jose said "We have a historic moment where we have launched the Container Freight Station for all our customers. The CFS will serve as a one-stop-shop where all our customers can consolidate their exports within this small facility out here. The facility will aid Nigerian government's drive to promote export and forex which will be beneficial to the country and the economy," he said.

Jeethu further said that the commissioning of the facility is also in line with APM Terminals' purpose which is improving life for all by integrating the world.

Cost effective

WACT Commercial Manager, Ismaila Badjie described the facility as the first of its kind in Onne Port. "The Container Freight Station offers a lot of benefits for customers. It is cost effective and also ensures that keeps time wasted to a minimum. The facility will help customers with non-oil exports. This facility will also continue to support and ensure that natural produce is shipped abroad efficiently and will directly or indirectly aid the creation of jobs," he said.

Also speaking, the Customs Area Controller, Onne Customs Area 2 Command, CAC, Baba Imam who commissioned the facility congratulated WACT on the project which he described as an edifice and said "By constructing this edifice, we will be able to facilitate trade. WACT is transforming and trying to be consistent in the way and manner they keep adding value. This is a clear manifestation of the kind of commitment they have to consistency in the transformation agenda they have. From the perspective of Customs, one of the cardinal mandates we have is trade facilitation." He further urged the WACT team to keep thinking ahead and keep adding value as consistently while reiterating the support of the Nigeria Customs service.

Present for the commissioning ceremony were the WACT management team, management of INTELS Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs service, shipping lines and customers.

First feedback from customers has been very positive. "The CFS makes our job easy. All we need to do is move our cargo to the CFS. I can move close to 16 trucks and have them all sorted almost same day. It really helps us with imports and I think it's a very big development," commented a representative of mineral export customer, Great Focus Nigeria Investment Consultant Limited.

A Commitment to growth

The new CFS not only strengthens WACT's capabilities but also contributes to the development of the region by creating new job opportunities and fostering economic activity in Nigeria. The facility ensures the sustainability of the supply chain by promoting efficient cargo handling practices. WACT remains committed to offering innovative solutions and exceptional services empowering Nigerian businesses to thrive in the global marketplace.

WACT was one of the first greenfield terminals to be built in Nigeria under a public, private partnership with the Nigerian government in 2003. Located in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone near Port Harcourt, WACT caters to the greater Port Harcourt area and Eastern Nigeria, including the Nigeria Oil Industry. Since its inception, WACT has played a pivotal role in successfully connecting East, North, West Central Nigeria and River State to the world.

In 2020, WACT announced a further investment of USD115 million (Onne Terminal Upgrade Project) that included the acquisition of three additional Mobile Harbour Cranes, bringing the total in operation to five; 20 Rubber Tyre Gantry Cranes; three Reach Stackers; 13 terminal trucks and trailers and two container empty handlers.

The upgrade also includes the deployment of reefer racks with a 600-plug capacity, as well as expansion of the current yard, new workshop, a new terminal auto gate, modernised offices and state of the art technology. The final phase of the project is expected to be completed this year.