APM Terminals Nigeria has urged the Nigerian government, industry stakeholders, investors, and development partners to collaborate on developing bankable green infrastructure projects. This call was made by APM Terminals Nigeria Chairman, Frederik Klinke, at the second Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria (DIN) Summit in Abuja. The summit's theme was "De-risking Green Infrastructure Investments: From Policy Architecture to Bankable Projects." Klinke emphasized that policy ambition must be translated into scalable, investment-ready projects that deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
Klinke noted that Nigeria has made significant progress in advancing maritime reforms and climate action. However, he stressed that the next phase must focus on implementation. According to him, 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.
The CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Koen De Backker, also spoke at the summit, emphasizing the critical role of ports and terminals in the energy transition. He noted that reducing emissions begins with improving the efficiency of logistics systems. This can be achieved by reducing equipment usage and fuel consumption, minimizing truck waiting times and congestion, improving cargo flow and operational efficiency, supporting cleaner energy solutions, and preparing for the adoption of lower-emission technologies.
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. He stated 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.
Musaddiq Adamu, Personal Assistant to the President on Subnational Infrastructure and representative of the DIN Summit Steering Committee, noted that the summit aimed to address a critical challenge: moving green infrastructure projects from concept to investment. He mentioned 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, including the launch of a white paper outlining practical pathways for reducing emissions across Nigeria's container logistics value chain. The report demonstrates how electrification of logistics operations can stimulate investment, improve energy reliability, create skilled jobs, enhance public health outcomes, and reduce supply chain emissions.
As part of its long-term commitment to sustainable logistics, APM Terminals, in partnership with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), 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. Frederik Klinke urged stakeholders to move beyond dialogue and focus on execution, noting that the infrastructure investments and partnerships established today will help shape Nigeria's future economy, trade competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.
Key points
- APM Terminals Nigeria calls for collaboration to develop 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.
- Nigeria's maritime sector accounts for over 80% of global trade by volume, making decarbonization critical to achieving climate goals.
