Ardova Plc has entered into a strategic partnership with APM Terminals Apapa to improve operational efficiency and maintenance processes at Nigeria’s busiest seaport, in a move expected to strengthen the country’s maritime infrastructure.
The collaboration, announced in a statement on Tuesday, focuses on enhancing lubricant management and equipment maintenance through the deployment of advanced technology. Ardova described the initiative as a critical step toward improving reliability and reducing operational downtime at the Apapa terminal, widely regarded as the largest container terminal in West Africa.
At the centre of the partnership is the introduction of the Modern Pulse Central Lubrication Dispensing System, an automated solution developed in collaboration with Shell. The system replaces conventional manual lubricant handling with a closed-loop digital network, enabling real-time monitoring, accurate distribution, and improved control over lubricant usage across heavy-duty port equipment such as cranes and reach stackers.
According to the companies, the adoption of the technology has already begun to deliver tangible benefits, including reduced product losses, enhanced workplace safety, and faster equipment servicing turnaround times. The automation of the lubrication process also helps preserve product integrity while minimising human error in inventory management.
The firms noted that the initiative comes at a crucial time when maintaining high operational uptime at the Apapa terminal is essential for supporting Nigeria’s growing trade volumes and sustaining economic activity.
A joint statement from the partners highlighted their shared commitment to deploying world-class solutions that enhance efficiency across critical infrastructure. It added that the project aligns with global trends toward “smart port” operations, where digital systems are used to optimise performance and reduce costs.
The deployment was formally marked by the participation of senior representatives from Ardova Plc, APM Terminals, and Shell, underscoring the importance of the collaboration. Key officials from procurement, asset management, and lubricant distribution units were present at the engagement.
Industry observers say the partnership reflects a broader push within Nigeria’s maritime sector to adopt innovative technologies that can address longstanding challenges such as equipment downtime, maintenance inefficiencies, and inventory losses.
APM Terminals Apapa plays a vital role in Nigeria’s logistics chain, handling a significant share of the country’s containerised imports and exports. With the integration of Ardova’s distribution network and Shell’s global lubricant expertise, stakeholders believe the initiative will set a new benchmark for operational excellence and reinforce the terminal’s position as a competitive hub for international trade
