WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria appoints first Nigerian managing director

West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria has appointed Courage Obadagbonyi as managing director.

Obadagbonyi, who assumes office on July 1 is the first Nigerian to be given the role since the company commenced commercial operations in Onne, Rivers State in 2006. He succeeds Jeethu Jose.

“This appointment reflects the organisation’s continued focus on developing strong leadership from within its global talent pool while ensuring sustained growth and operational excellence,” the company said in a statement.

Prior to this appointment, Obadagbonyi served as CEO for the APM Terminals Nigeria cluster, with responsibility for financial strategy across Nigeria and San Pedro, Cote D’Ivoire. He also served as the acting managing director of APM Terminals Apapa “between 2025 and March 2026,” the company said.

“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,” Obadagbonyi said.

“With experience spanning sectors such as Oil and Gas, power generation, logistics and healthcare, Obadagbonyi brings deep expertise in financial management, risk optimisation and business performance.

Frederik Klinke, ceo, APM Terminals Nigeria, said the appointment was a nod to proven expertise by Nigerians within the organisation.

“Nigerians have continued to distinguish themselves through exceptional performance and leadership. Colleagues from our Apapa and Onne terminals have contributed their expertise internationally, while also bringing back valuable best practices to strengthen operations in Nigeria,” he said.

Jose, the outgoing director showed confidence in continued success after his departure. The company has invested in capacity expansion and modernisation, including a $115 million terminal upgrade project launched in 2020.

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.

Obadagbonyi will support the next phase of operations.