APM Terminals Nigeria has urged government, industry, investors, and development partners to work together to develop bankable green infrastructure projects. This initiative aims to transform Nigeria's maritime sector and support the country's transition to a low-carbon economy. The call was made by APM Terminals Nigeria Chairman, Frederik Klinke, at the second Decarbonizing Infrastructure in Nigeria (DIN) Summit in Abuja.
Klinke emphasized that policy alone is insufficient to reduce emissions, and that projects are needed to deliver economic and environmental benefits. He noted that maritime transport accounts for over 80% of global trade by volume, and decarbonizing the sector is critical to achieving climate goals and strengthening long-term economic competitiveness.
APM Terminals Nigeria CEO, Koen De Backker, highlighted the importance of improving logistics systems to reduce emissions. This 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 noted that maritime decarbonization is not only a fuels challenge but also an operational challenge.
Deputy Chief of Staff Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, called for urgent policy reforms and stronger public-private partnerships to attract investment into Nigeria's green infrastructure sector. He emphasized that achieving Nigeria's climate and infrastructure objectives requires greater participation from the private sector, development finance institutions, and institutional investors.
Musaddiq Adamu, Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure, noted that the DIN Summit was established to address the challenge of moving green infrastructure projects from concept to investment. He highlighted that engagements from previous editions had already produced tangible outcomes, including progress on port electrification initiatives.
APM Terminals Nigeria has 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. The company plans to invest in green power infrastructure and electric equipment across its Apapa and Onne operations, in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Frederik Klinke urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and focus on execution, noting that the infrastructure investments and partnerships established today will shape Nigeria's future economy, trade competitiveness, and environmental sustainability. The company's initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria's trade competitiveness while advancing the country's climate ambitions.
Key points
- APM Terminals Nigeria calls for collaboration to accelerate green infrastructure projects in Nigeria's maritime sector.
- The company plans to invest in green power infrastructure and electric equipment across its Apapa and Onne operations.
- Stakeholders are urged to move beyond dialogue and focus on execution to achieve Nigeria's climate and infrastructure objectives.
