The West Africa Container Terminal in Onne, Rivers State, has formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to foster collaboration and development within its host community of Ogu, Rivers State.
In a statement released on Sunday, WACT’s Managing Director, Naved Zafar, expressed the belief that this strategic partnership will contribute to the peace and economic advancement of the community.
He remarked, “This is a day I have eagerly anticipated for nearly two years. Our journey began with humble beginnings – a small team, limited container business, and a clear vision and unwavering commitment to the future.”
Zafar further highlighted the success story of the terminal as a testament to the significance of local community engagement in Nigeria. He stated, “Reflecting on our current position and the milestones we have achieved, we can all take pride in it. It embodies an extraordinary narrative of collaboration between the public sector, private enterprise, and the local community in Nigeria. International companies come to invest in a greenfield project, thereby nurturing a complete port ecosystem, advancing Nigerian trade, and supporting the local community.”
Zafar said over the past two and a half years, WACT has been on a transformation journey, which included enhancing relations with the host communities.
“We started our partnership, and to better cooperate and coordinate with each other, we brought in transparency, visibility, and inclusivity in our relationship of what we do together. As simple as this may sound, the work required to build this relationship on these three pillars was both exhausting and strenuous. Gratefully, we have started recording huge results even before this day.” he added.
He states, “The choice of building the community engagement on the pillars of transparency, visibility, and inclusivity is in strong alignment with our group’s purpose of improving life for all by integrating the world. At WACT, we are on a mission to make life better for our people, which does not end with our employees but also our stakeholders, which the good people of Ogu community stand tall,” Zafar said.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government, Vincent Nemieboka, commended WACT for bringing positive changes and development to the community.
Nemieboka, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Isaac William, assured WACT of the community’s cooperation and support.
