APM Terminals Nigeria has called for stronger collaboration among government, industry, investors, and development partners to accelerate the development of bankable green infrastructure projects in Nigeria's maritime sector. This call was made by Chairman Frederik Klinke at the Second Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit in Abuja. The summit's theme was "De-risking Green Infrastructure Investments: From Policy Architecture to Bankable Projects." Klinke emphasized that policy alone does not reduce emissions, but projects do. He stressed the need to translate policy ambition into scalable, investment-ready projects that deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
Nigeria has made significant progress in advancing maritime reforms and climate action, but the next phase must focus on implementation. Klinke noted that maritime transport accounts for more than 80% of global trade by volume, and decarbonizing the sector is critical to achieving climate goals and strengthening long-term economic competitiveness. He highlighted the importance of regulatory clarity, project readiness, reliable emissions data, and stronger integration across ports, roads, rail, and inland logistics networks. Klinke urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and focus on execution.
The infrastructure investments and partnerships established today will help shape Nigeria's future economy, trade competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. Klinke emphasized that the question before stakeholders is no longer whether decarbonization will happen, but whether they will create the partnerships, frameworks, and investment environment needed to make it happen at the required pace. APM Terminals Nigeria's call for collaboration aims to support Nigeria's transition to a low-carbon economy.
APM Terminals Nigeria's Chief Executive Officer, Koen De Backker, highlighted the critical role of ports and terminals in the energy transition. He noted that reducing emissions begins with improving the efficiency of logistics systems, which can be achieved by reducing equipment usage and fuel consumption, minimizing truck waiting times and congestion, and improving cargo flow and operational efficiency. De Backker emphasized that maritime decarbonization is not only a fuels challenge but also an operational challenge.
The Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for urgent policy reforms, stronger public-private partnerships, and innovative risk-sharing mechanisms to attract domestic and foreign investment into Nigeria's green infrastructure sector. He noted that achieving Nigeria's climate and infrastructure objectives would require greater participation from the private sector, development finance institutions, and institutional investors, supported by well-prepared projects capable of attracting long-term capital.
The Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure, Musaddiq Adamu, said the summit was established to address a critical challenge: moving green infrastructure projects from concept to investment. He noted that engagements from previous editions had already produced tangible outcomes, including progress on port electrification initiatives. APM Terminals Nigeria had contributed to the country's decarbonization agenda by launching a white paper outlining practical pathways for reducing emissions across Nigeria's container logistics value chain.
As part of its long-term commitment to sustainable logistics, APM Terminals plans to invest in green power infrastructure and electric equipment across its Apapa and Onne operations. The initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria's trade competitiveness while advancing the country's climate ambitions. APM Terminals' efforts aim to stimulate investment, improve energy reliability, create skilled jobs, enhance public health outcomes, and reduce supply chain emissions.
Key points
- APM Terminals Nigeria calls for collaboration to develop bankable green infrastructure projects.
- Nigeria's maritime sector must transition to a low-carbon economy to achieve climate goals.
- APM Terminals plans to invest in green power infrastructure and electric equipment across its operations.
