Africa’s third-richest man is spending $85 million to expand Nigeria’s ports for BUA’s next growth phase

BUA Group, the Nigerian conglomerate headed by Africa’s third-richest billionaire, Abdul Samad Rabiu, is investing $85 million to expand its Port Harcourt port terminal, positioning the facility to handle more than 2 million tonnes of imported raw materials annually as the conglomerate scales up its food manufacturing business.

• BUA Group is investing $85 million to expand its Port Harcourt port terminal, increasing capacity to handle more than 2 million tonnes of imported raw materials annually.
• The project will add 600 metres of quay frontage, enabling larger vessels to dock and strengthening logistics for BUA Foods and the wider group.
• The expansion is expected to boost cargo volumes, improve supply chain efficiency and support Nigeria’s efforts to develop its eastern ports.
• The investment underscores the growing importance of logistics infrastructure in supporting Africa’s expanding manufacturing and consumer goods sectors.

The expansion, announced by Rabiu during a visit to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is expected to be completed next year and forms part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its logistics infrastructure as demand for sugar, flour, pasta, edible oils and other food products continues to grow.

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According to Rabiu, the project will add about 600 metres of quay frontage, allowing the terminal to receive larger vessels and significantly increase cargo-handling capacity.

Once completed, the facility will serve as a key gateway for raw materials feeding BUA Foods’ expanding operations in Port Harcourt.

The investment highlights the increasingly strategic role of logistics in Africa’s manufacturing sector, where companies are investing not only in factories but also in the infrastructure needed to secure supply chains, reduce transport costs and improve operational efficiency.

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For BUA, the expanded terminal will support more than just its food business. Rabiu said the upgraded facility will also strengthen logistics across the group’s cement, mining, infrastructure and other industrial operations, giving the conglomerate greater control over the movement of bulk cargo.

The investment also represents a significant boost for Nigeria’s eastern ports, which have historically handled less cargo than Lagos-based facilities despite repeated government efforts to spread maritime traffic more evenly across the country.

Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho said the project is expected to deliver double-digit growth in cargo throughput and revenue while improving the competitiveness of Nigeria’s port system.

He said higher cargo volumes would generate additional foreign exchange earnings and government revenue while supporting broader economic activity.

The expansion builds on BUA’s longer-term investment strategy in Port Harcourt. The company previously invested heavily in upgrading the terminal after securing the concession for Rivers Port Terminal B, positioning it as an alternative gateway for bulk cargo outside Lagos.

Nigeria’s port infrastructure has become increasingly important as manufacturers seek to reduce logistics bottlenecks that have long raised operating costs.

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Congestion around Lagos ports has encouraged both government and private investors to improve facilities elsewhere, particularly along the eastern corridor.

For BUA, owning and expanding its own port infrastructure gives the company greater control over one of the most critical parts of its supply chain.

As its food business continues to expand, the ability to import millions of tonnes of raw materials efficiently could become an important competitive advantage in Nigeria’s fast-growing consumer goods market.