The robust activities in the sector and continuous growth premised on the above developments, present enormous opportunities for investors. For instance, the deregulation and liberalisation of the port sector has given additional impetus for private initiatives in terminal operation.
Investment in the provision of:
i. Terminal facilities for container operation is available for private interest through different public–private sector interest such as leasing; Build Operate and Own (BOO); Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) in the different segments of the port sector. Generally, Nigerian ports are faced with the challenge of inadequate cargo handling plants and equipment, infrastructure and service facilities. Investment in the provision of these operational and service facilities is essential and therefore constitutes viable investment options.
Apart from terminal operation, another area of investment is in fleet acquisition. Vessels represent a major segment of assets in the sector where tanker and cargo vessels are very popular. The Nigerian investors usually buy used vessels because of the huge capital outlay involved in purchase of new vessels. It has been estimated that a minimum of 20 vessels will be needed as take off to efficiently improve the transshipment of import and export in the next five years in Nigeria.
ii. Port infrastructure
iii. Super structure
Other assets that are required in the sector include:
cranes
reach stackers
haulage vehicles
heavy duty handling equipment
forklifts etc.