Abuja, July 8, 2025 – Nigeria’s leading container terminal operator, APM Terminals, has unveiled plans to advance low-carbon logistics by electrifying its containerised trade, potentially unlocking $830 million in investment by 2030, creating skilled jobs, reducing CO₂ emissions, and improving power reliability and public health.
The initiative was outlined in a white paper presented to Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit held at the Presidential Villa. Titled “A Pragmatic Roadmap to Unlock Transformational Benefits Well Beyond Decarbonisation,” the document emphasises how electrification of container operations can position Nigeria to leapfrog traditional, diesel-reliant logistics .
APM Terminals pointed out that electrifying container operations could unlock $830 million in investments, cut approximately 390 kilotonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions, and enhance public health through lower air and noise pollution . The company’s CEO, Frederik Klinke, highlighted that Nigeria operates two major ports—Apapa in Lagos and the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) in Onne—as well as a container depot in Kano, making the country a critical hub for trade .
Vice President Shettima praised the strategy, saying sustainability and productivity must go hand in hand. He revealed ongoing discussions with private investors to inject $60 million toward electrifying Onne Port, aimed at transforming it into Nigeria’s first “green port” . The summit underscored that Nigeria’s decarbonisation drive must coalesce with the power sector to ensure reliable electricity supply and spur urgent action on equipment electrification .
APM also noted that over 40 ports worldwide—including those in emerging markets such as Kenya and India—have already adopted electrification, demonstrating the feasibility and maturity of the approach . The white paper makes a clear case for strong public–private partnerships to capture these benefits. As stated by industry experts, with nearly 60% of container terminal concessions nearing renewal, now is the ideal moment to integrate electrification into future logistics investments .