The Nigerian maritime and logistics sector has hit a significant milestone. West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals has announced the appointment of Courage Obadagbonyi as its new Managing Director, effective July 1, 2026.
This historic appointment marks the first time a Nigerian has been tapped to lead the major container terminal, succeeding Jeethu Jose.
A Proven Leader in Maritime and Infrastructure
Obadagbonyi is an accomplished executive with over two decades of global experience spanning logistics, finance, and general management. Prior to taking the helm at WACT, he served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the APM Terminals Nigeria cluster and spent time as the acting Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa. His extensive background with global giants like General Electric and Lafarge brings a wealth of strategic expertise to the role.
Upon his appointment, Obadagbonyi expressed his commitment to maintaining the terminal’s strong momentum:
“I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place at WACT. The terminal plays a critical role in connecting businesses in Eastern Nigeria to global markets, and we will continue to focus on safe, reliable, and efficient operations.”
Why This Matters for Shippers and Importers
Located in Onne, Rivers State, WACT is one of Nigeria’s primary gateways for trade outside of Lagos. For businesses looking to optimize their supply chain and bypass the historic congestion of Lagos ports, the operational health of WACT is critical.
APM Terminals has invested heavily in the facility, headlined by a massive $115 million terminal upgrade project launched in 2020. These upgrades directly translate to faster, more secure handling for cargo owners, including:
- Expanded Yard Capacity & Tech: A modernised yard layout and an automated terminal gate system to reduce truck turnaround times.
- Cold Chain Support: The deployment of 600-plug reefer racks to support temperature-controlled cargo and agricultural exports.
- Enhanced Reliability: Upgraded workshops and state-of-the-art technology to ensure seamless cargo operations.
Looking Ahead
With a seasoned local leader steering the ship and world-class infrastructure backing operations, WACT is well-positioned to drive trade efficiency across Eastern Nigeria and beyond. Stronger, localized leadership at our major ports means more predictable timelines, smoother customs bottlenecks, and a more robust network for regional commerce.
