World Bank Recognizes Apapa and Tincan Ports' Transformation

The company responsible for managing the Electronic Call-up System codenamed 'Ètò', launched by the Nigerian Ports Authority to streamline truck movements into and out of port areas, has confirmed that the most recent World Bank assessment of the Apapa and Tincan Island ports supports the experiences reported by industry players since the implementation of Ètò.

As per a statement acquired by The PUNCH , the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of TTP Limited, Jama Onwubuariri, made these comments while responding to the latest World Bank rating.

According to reports, the 2025 Container Port Performance Index, released by the World Bank along with S&P Global Market Intelligence, highlighted Nigeria's Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) and Tincan Island Port as two of the top 20 container ports that have shown significant improvement globally during the past five years.

In the global enhancement ratings, Tincan Island Port secured the 10th position, whereas Lagos Port Complex (Apapa) came in at 12th place, achieving notable progress among container terminals globally from 2020 to 2025.

TTP emphasized that the acknowledgment highlights an impressive improvement in the functional efficiency of Nigeria's most active port routes.

Prior to 2021, long lines of trucks extended from Apapa all the way to Maryland and the Cele Expressway; drivers frequently had to wait between two to three weeks before being able to reach the ports, causing freight transportation expenses to increase by up to 450 percent because of traffic jams and operational problems. In February 2021, TTP Limited, working alongside the Nigerian Ports Authority, launched the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System to digitalize and manage vehicle entry into the Apapa and Tincan port areas, according to the statement.

The company stated that following the launch of Ètò in 2021, the platform has handled over 3.5 million truck movements, contributing to bringing structure and reliability to one of Africa's most active trading hubs.

TTP mentioned that the typical processing time for getting into ports and moving goods out has dropped to two days or fewer: "Logistics expenses related to cargo have decreased by approximately 65 percent, while containerized exports rose by 464 percent from 2020 to 2021. Currently, the system offers live tracking and access management at over 120 sites within the Lagos port network and has achieved full operational availability since its introduction."

TTP credited much of the ports' enhanced efficiency to the ongoing development of the Ètò platform.

The company noted that during the past five years, improvements including export truck pre-screening, simplified reservation processes, real-time vehicle monitoring, sophisticated time-to-turnaround analysis, smart forecasting systems, and stronger collaboration with port partners have decreased delays, boosted freight movement, increased transparency, and reinforced cooperation throughout the supply network.

"Collectively, these enhancements have facilitated the development of a more effective and robust port system, which has contributed to the operational advancements highlighted in the World Bank’s ratings," it noted.

In the meantime, responding to the rankings, Jama Onwubuariri, Managing Director and Co-founder of TTP Limited, stated that five years prior, Apapa and Tincan served as worldwide illustrations of the consequences of inefficiency.

"Currently, they are acknowledged as some of the top improving container terminals globally. This change didn’t occur randomly. It stems from courageous reforms, cooperation within the port network, and the use of technology that has introduced clarity, order, and reliability into vehicle and freight movements. The World Bank's rating confirms what those involved have witnessed firsthand since the launch of Ètò. More effective truck planning leads to quicker cargo removal, enhanced terminal efficiency, reduced transportation expenses, and a stronger seaport industry. We take pride in the fact that Ètò has been crucial in this process. Looking forward, we will keep innovating and introducing smart transport solutions designed to address operational issues not just inside ports, but along entire trade routes and at borders across Africa," Jama said.

He pointed out that the recent World Bank acknowledgment highlights the increasing influence of digital advancements within Nigeria's shipping industry and emphasizes the significance of continued funding for tech-based approaches that enhance trading effectiveness, minimize transportation delays, and boost countrywide competitiveness.

"For TTP, it further highlights the potential to utilize insights gained from the Ètò transition in addressing various transportation and trade issues throughout Africa's ports, logistical routes, and cross-border systems," he added.

TTP Limited is a Nigerian firm specializing in technological and infrastructural services, focused on crafting smart transportation solutions for seaports, supply chain routes, and cross-border systems. With its main product, the Ètò Electronic Call-Up System along with associated transport infrastructure, TTP assists government bodies and business operators in enhancing traffic regulation, entry monitoring, process effectiveness, and commerce promotion within intricate logistical setups.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

WACT-APM Names First Nigerian MD in International Expansion

The WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has revealed the selection of Courage Obadagbonyi as Chief Executive Officer, starting from 1 July, replacing Jeethu Jose and marking him as the inaugural native Nigerian to hold this role.

In a message released on Monday, the company revealed that the selection highlights the organization's ongoing commitment to cultivating robust leadership from across its international workforce, while maintaining consistent expansion and high standards of performance.

The declaration stated that, having worked as an experienced leader with more than 20 years of global expertise, Obadagbonyi has occupied managerial positions in areas such as finance, operations, and overall administration within prominent multinational companies like APM Terminals, General Electric, and Lafarge. Prior to his current role, he was the Chief Financial Officer for the APM Terminals Nigeria group, overseeing financial planning throughout Nigeria and San Pedro, Ivory Coast.

"He additionally held an interim role as Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa from 2025 until March 2026, enhancing his background in operational leadership. Having worked across industries including oil and gas, power production, transportation, and health care, Obadagbonyi offers significant knowledge in fiscal management, risk improvement, and corporate efficiency," the statement noted.

Commenting on his new position, Obadagbonyi stated, "I am eager to build upon the solid base currently established at WACT. The terminal serves an essential function in linking companies in Eastern Nigeria with international markets, and we remain committed to maintaining secure, dependable, and effective operations."

The CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, stated that this appointment highlights the company's dedication to nurturing leadership and ensuring sustained expansion.

"Throughout APM Terminals worldwide, we observe robust cooperation and employee advancement among our teams. This new role highlights the level of experience present within our company and the ongoing commitment to developing skills that drive long-term growth. Nigerians have consistently showcased outstanding work and leadership abilities. Team members from our Apapa and Onne ports have shared their knowledge on an international scale while also introducing effective methods to enhance activities in Nigeria," Klinke stated.

He mentioned that Obadagbonyi's background will aid the upcoming stage of operational efficiency and value provision at WACT.

In the meantime, the departing Managing Director, Jeethu Jose, stated, "It was an honor to head WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria through a time of significant development. The group has created a solid foundation for what lies ahead, and I have faith in the ongoing achievements of the company."

The West Africa Container Terminal operated by APM Terminals located in Onne, Rivers State, stands among Nigeria's top container facilities since starting full-scale operations in 2006. The firm keeps investing in increasing capacity and updating infrastructure, such as a $115 million terminal enhancement initiative introduced in 2020. This improvement involves installing refrigerated units capable of handling 600 plugs, expanding the existing storage area, building a new maintenance facility, implementing an advanced automated entry system, upgrading office spaces, and integrating cutting-edge technological solutions. Such efforts have improved operational effectiveness, boosted customer support quality, and solidified WACT's position as a key hub for commerce outside of Lagos.

Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Hong Kong Bus Lovers Face Loss of $1M Classic Double-Decker Restoration

Two companions specializing in restoring old buses in Hong Kong find themselves compelled to discard their HK$1 million initiative aimed at bringing back a historic double-decker.

Terrence, together with his blacksmith companion Chung, who is employed in the automobile sector, had wished to refurbish an old China Motor Bus Company (CMB) vehicle at their workshop located in the northwestern part of the New Territories.

The former owner purchased it from a junkyard when it was decommissioned by New World First Bus approximately 20 years back — we acquired it in 2019," Terrence, who provided only his first name, mentioned to HKFP earlier this week. "The engine and transmission are still functional, but the chassis is severely deteriorated.

It's unfortunate, but unavoidable - I have to cut down on hobby-related costs as I grow older. Additionally, we must conserve our resources for bus restoration projects.

In a Facebook post They stated that "the bus will be considered for recycling if no one shows interest by the end of this month."

Transport revolution

In the 1960s, CMB enhanced its collection of vehicles by adding the Guy Arab, a contemporary model manufactured in Wolverhampton, England.

As per Terrence, a regional firm upgraded part of the fleet from single-level to two-story designs. These vehicles were subsequently put into service to address the increasing number of residents in the city.

CMB was the pioneer in bringing double-decker buses to Hong Kong. Nevertheless, its bus services ceased operation in 1998, and it shifted to property development.

The bus company was acquired by New World First Bus.

The New World First Bus placed the Guy Arab under consideration for the task of conveying tree-felling employees throughout the city. For as long as it remained in service until 1998, personnel utilized its open platform to trim excessively grown vegetation along roadways.

"The bus served as a police observation post at Victoria Park during each Lunar New Year," Terrence said to HKFP.

A 2022 scholarly study from the Education University of Hong Kong, authored by Chiu Chuk-yin, states that the future of CMB became determined in 1981 after Paliburg Investments made an aggressive attempt to acquire the company.

"From that point onward, CMB became more cautious in managing its bus operations, and its shortcomings were fully exposed following a deadly accident in 1982. During the bus drivers' strike in 1989, CMB was intended to be removed from the list of public transportation providers as the Hong Kong government ceased to view CMB as a dependable bus company," the article stated. said .

The decrease in "the number of bus routes in 1993 and 1995 marked the beginning of the conclusion of CMB's transportation services."

Vietnam Unveils $6.5B Rail Link: First in 70 Years from HCMC to Mekong Delta

A railway spanning 175 kilometers, valued at over VND171 trillion (US$6.5 billion), is being planned between Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, marking the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam with its initial train connection in almost seventy years.

The project management committee for the My Thuan initiative, responsible for preparing the preliminary feasibility report sent to the Ministry of Construction, has suggested financing the entire railway line using government funding. The route would start from An Binh Station in Di An District of Ho Chi Minh City and terminate at Can Tho Station in Hung Phu District of Can Tho, covering a distance of 175.2 kilometers across Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Can Tho.

Passenger services would operate at a maximum designed speed of 160 kilometers per hour, while cargo trains would travel at 120 km/h. There would be 12 stops and three maintenance facilities throughout the route. The initial stage would feature a single line using the standard 1,435 mm rail width, which would eventually be expanded to a dual-track system.

Can Tho is often regarded as the capital of Vietnam's Mekong Delta region, known as the nation's primary rice producer and a major contributor to its seafood and fruit exports.

The delta ceased to have a railway after the Saigon-My Tho line from the French colonial period shut down near 1958. Now, goods and passengers mainly travel through heavily crowded roads and rivers to get to Ho Chi Minh City and its harbors.

According to the board's research, the HCMC-Can Tho route is expected to manage approximately 1.46 billion tons of cargo and over 326 million passenger journeys each year by 2050, with rail potentially handling around 23 million tons and 16 million travels per annum.

A KTX train in South Korea travels at approximately 150-180 km/h. Photo by VnExpress/Anh Duy

The line forms part of a rail initiative Vietnam is advancing at an exceptional pace. At its core is the approximately $67 billion North-South high-speed railroad, a 1,541-kilometer route capable of reaching speeds up to 350 kilometers per hour, stretching from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, scheduled to start construction by the end of 2026. Meanwhile, the broader national network strategy outlines 25 routes covering around 6,354 kilometers.

The HCMC-Can Tho route is a traditional rail system designed for multiple types of traffic, not an actual high-speed line, yet it follows the same key timeline as the main project: both aim to be largely completed by 2035.

Approximately 56% of the route would run over bridges or viaducts, primarily passing through city zones, densely populated regions, rivers, and locations where it connects with current facilities, whereas the rest, amounting to 44%, would be built on embankments where the soil is solid and flood risks are lower. The first phase bridges would measure around 6.5 meters in width, featuring span lengths ranging from 24 meters up to 450 meters. At the Hau River location, the rail system would use the upcoming Can Tho 2 Bridge. The track will be powered using 25 kV AC electricity, with commuter train operations utilizing decentralized power electric multiple units, cargo transport handled by engine-pulled trains, and full implementation of fiber optic communication along with digital signaling systems.

The advisor presented two financial alternatives. Constructing a shared road bridge spanning approximately 4.7 kilometers at the Hau River crossing would result in an initial investment of roughly VND171.3 trillion ($6.51 billion), whereas building an independent railway bridge would increase this amount to around VND175.11 trillion ($6.65 billion). Referring to the scale of Vietnam's economy and its ability to secure funds, the advisor suggested financing the project through government resources.

Having been under development for over ten years, the initiative has now entered its most advanced phase. It will be submitted to the National Assembly for investment policy endorsement in August 2026, with preliminary engineering designs completed during the first quarter of 2028, land clearing beginning in the same period, and a construction company chosen to commence work in the third quarter.

The railway system of Vietnam will manage the route upon its inauguration.