Denmark commits $1.2bn to Nigeria’s ports in long-term infrastructure push

Denmark has invested about $1.2 billion in Nigeria’s port infrastructure through APM Terminals and is preparing to expand its footprint, underscoring renewed foreign interest in Africa’s largest economy amid sweeping reforms in the maritime sector.

• Denmark has invested about $1.2 billion in Nigeria’s port infrastructure through APM Terminals, with plans for further expansion.
• The disclosure came during a diplomatic visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy in Abuja.
• Both countries reaffirmed cooperation in ports, maritime security, and the wider blue economy.
• Nigeria is positioning its reformed maritime sector as a key destination for global capital and green shipping expertise.

The commitment was disclosed in Abuja during a courtesy visit by Denmark’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens Hansen, to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Hansen said the investment reflects Denmark’s long term confidence in Nigeria’s ports and logistics ecosystem, noting that APM Terminals operates in the Apapa and Onne ports, two of the country’s most strategic gateways for trade. He added that further investments are being considered to expand operations and improve efficiency.

The ambassador also congratulated Nigeria on its election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization Council, describing the outcome as recognition of the country’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.

Membership of the council, he said, gives Nigeria a platform to shape international maritime policy and participate in decisions on safety, security, and environmental protection.

Hansen expressed optimism that Nigeria would use its regional experience to advance international maritime cooperation, adding that Denmark and Nigeria share overlapping interests in the marine and blue economy.

“APM Terminals has invested approximately $1.2 billion in Nigerian ports, with plans to make further investments to expand its operations,” he said.

Beyond ports, Denmark signalled openness to deeper collaboration in renewable energy and green shipping. Hansen highlighted Denmark’s global expertise in wind energy and green maritime technologies and said his country is willing to share knowledge with Nigeria as it pursues more sustainable ocean-based growth.

What it means for Nigeria

For Nigeria, the meeting formed part of a broader effort to attract foreign capital into the marine and blue economy, a sector the government sees as a major engine for diversification.

Oyetola described Denmark as a valued maritime partner and assured potential investors of a favourable investment climate, institutional support, and strong returns.

The minister also thanked Denmark for supporting Nigeria’s successful bid to the IMO Council in November 2025, noting that the election has strengthened the country’s standing internationally.

He praised Danish-backed investments through APM Terminals as a “strategic contribution” to modernising Nigeria’s port infrastructure and improving operational efficiency.

Oyetola outlined reforms underway at the ministry, including the development of a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, port modernisation programmes, and the revitalisation of inland waterways.

He pointed to improved maritime security, which he said has led to the elimination of piracy in Nigerian waters and a significant reduction in incidents across the Gulf of Guinea.

Other priorities include fisheries and aquaculture development and the conservation of marine biodiversity. Together, the initiatives aim to position Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa while aligning growth with sustainability, a balance that appears to be resonating with Danish investors looking to deepen their engagement in Africa.