Danish shipping and logistics firm A.P. Moller-Maersk has chosen not to provide clarity on reports of a potential $600 million investment in Nigeria’s seaport infrastructure. The uncertainty arose following private discussions between Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and the company’s Chairman, Robert Uggla, during the World Economic Forum Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last Sunday.

Initially, a statement from Tinubu’s spokesperson suggested that Uggla had committed to a substantial investment in Nigerian seaport infrastructure. According to the statement, Uggla stated, “We believe in Nigeria, and we will invest $600 million in existing facilities and make the ports accommodating for bigger ships.” This aligns with Nigeria’s existing plans for seaport reconstruction, as mentioned by Tinubu.

However, when approached for comment, A.P. Moller-Maersk neither confirmed nor denied the reported investment. Instead, officials reiterated the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s growth and development. In a statement to Lloyd’s List, a maritime insights platform, Maersk emphasized its longstanding engagement in Nigeria and its dedication to fostering local opportunities and businesses. While acknowledging ongoing discussions with the Nigerian administration, the company refrained from discussing specific investment plans.

In response to media reports suggesting a contradiction between Maersk’s stance and the Nigerian government’s claims, Tinubu’s Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, clarified that Maersk had not directly contradicted the government’s statements. In a tweet, Olusegun highlighted that the controversy stemmed from media headlines rather than explicit statements from Maersk, indicating that the company’s position remained unchanged.

This revision provides a concise overview of the situation while maintaining clarity on the complexities surrounding the reported investment.

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Adesina Ademola

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