NPA backs BUA’s $85m port expansion to unlock cargo growth, eastern port revival

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has thrown its weight behind BUA Group’s $85 million expansion of its Port Harcourt port and terminal facilities, describing the investment as a strategic catalyst for increased cargo throughput, improved trade efficiency and the revival of Nigeria’s eastern ports.

The Authority said the project aligns with its ongoing efforts to diversify cargo traffic across the country’s seaports, strengthen regional competitiveness and stimulate economic activities through greater private sector participation in port infrastructure development.

Speaking after receiving Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, at the NPA headquarters in Lagos, Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the investment would significantly increase cargo volumes, enhance port operations and generate greater revenue for the nation.

He noted that BUA’s decision to expand its operations in Port Harcourt represents an important milestone in repositioning eastern ports as viable alternatives to the country’s traditionally congested western port corridor.

According to Dantsoho, the Authority is committed to working closely with investors to unlock the full economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“BUA has remained one of our major stakeholders over the years, and supporting investments of this nature is part of our responsibility. When private investors expand, the ports become more productive, cargo volumes increase, and the economy benefits,” he said.

The NPA boss explained that the Authority’s strategy extends beyond infrastructure management to fostering stronger partnerships capable of driving sustainable growth across Nigeria’s port system.

He stressed that encouraging investment in Port Harcourt complements ongoing efforts to promote balanced development across all Nigerian ports.

“We want a more balanced port system. While Lagos remains a major maritime hub, investments in Port Harcourt and other eastern ports are equally important because they create more cargo opportunities and spread economic activities across the country,” Dantsoho stated.

He projected that the project could deliver cargo growth of between 13 and 14 per cent, describing the anticipated increase as a strong performance by international port industry standards.

“When cargo volumes rise, the country earns more revenue. More imports and exports translate into greater economic value and increased returns for government,” he added.

Dantsoho also noted that recent global recognition of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports among the world’s most improved ports reflects the positive impact of reforms currently being implemented by the Authority.

He, however, maintained that sustaining such progress requires continuous collaboration with private investors willing to commit substantial resources to modern port infrastructure.

Earlier, Rabiu disclosed that BUA is investing about $85 million to expand its Port Harcourt terminal, a project expected to provide approximately 600 metres of additional quay frontage and significantly increase the company’s cargo-handling capacity.

He said the expansion has become necessary to support the rapid growth of BUA Foods, which is expected to import more than two million tonnes of raw materials annually upon completion of its ongoing expansion programme.

“We came to appreciate the support we have received from the NPA and to brief the management on the progress of our terminal expansion. The project has advanced significantly, and we are pleased with the cooperation we continue to receive,” Rabiu said.

According to him, efficient port infrastructure remains indispensable to industrial growth, adding that Nigeria requires sustained investment in modern port facilities to match its economic aspirations.

Rabiu also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing the current NPA management, describing the leadership as supportive of private sector investment and committed to improving Nigeria’s port system.

He recalled that the Port Harcourt terminal project had previously faced setbacks but said the present administration’s support had enabled the company to move ahead with the development.

The $85 million expansion is expected to strengthen logistics support for BUA’s manufacturing operations, improve cargo-handling efficiency, increase vessel capacity and reinforce the Federal Government’s drive to revitalise eastern ports as engines of industrialisation, trade facilitation and national economic growth.