The West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), operated by APM Terminals Nigeria, and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have entered into a strategic partnership to advance decarbonisation across Nigeria’s port and transport ecosystem.
This milestone was formalised on Monday in New York, where both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework and roadmap for electrifying containerised freight.
The initiative aligns with the policies of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and signals Nigeria’s determination to embrace a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, held at the Dutch Consulate during the Global African Business Initiative, Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, expressed optimism: “Nigeria is uniquely positioned to lead West Africa’s transition to low-carbon logistics by electrifying its container transport sector. As Africa’s largest economy and trade hub, Nigeria has the opportunity to leapfrog fossil-fuel infrastructure by adopting proven electric technologies. We are confident that this partnership will enable us to design and implement a phased roadmap towards an electrified future for container logistics.”
Responding to the development, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, noted the pioneering significance of the initiative: “This collaboration means that Onne Port will become Nigeria’s first green port, thereby advancing decarbonisation within the wider transportation ecosystem. It will also position Nigerian ports as leaders on the continent in sustainable port operations.”
Dantsoho further congratulated APM Terminals for committing to fund the project with an investment of USD 60 million, describing it as a model that other African nations could emulate.
The MoU builds on a study presented by APM Terminals to the Vice-President of Nigeria at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit in Abuja earlier this year. The study concluded that the transition from fossil fuels to electrified container freight could unlock private investment, generate skilled employment, and enhance energy reliability. Achieving this, however, will require strong coordination and collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
Managing Director of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Jeethu Jose, reinforced the company’s commitment to Nigeria’s future: “For APM Terminals, partnerships are essential to generating long-term growth and value in the countries where we operate. Our investments are directed at building a shared future for the people of the region, and we are eager to drive this project forward with our partners in the port industry.”
The collaboration between NPA and APM Terminals represents a decisive step in Nigeria’s journey towards green port operations, reinforcing the nation’s leadership role in advancing sustainable infrastructure in Africa.
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