The federal government is currently in discussions with private investors to secure nearly $60 million in funding to electrify the Onne Port in Rivers State and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during the ‘Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit’ held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The summit, organised by the Office of the Vice President, was themed “Unlocking Climate Finance for Sustainable Development” and attracted key policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners committed to advancing low-carbon infrastructure and green investment across the country.
In his address, Shettima emphasised that sustainability and productivity must no longer be viewed as mutually exclusive goals. He revealed that the summit was the product of months of strategic consultations, regional engagements, and technical deep dives aimed at charting a path to a greener economy.
He said, “Onne port, for instance, is already emerging as the template for our quest to breathe life into a robust green economy.
Discussions, the VP said, “are currently underway with private investors to commit nearly $60 million to electrify the port and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port.”
APM Terminals joined key industry leaders and government stakeholders at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit and presented a white paper on container transport electrification titled: ‘A pragmatic roadmap to unlock transformational benefits well beyond decarbonisation.’ to Vice President Shettima.
At the event, APM Terminals underscores Nigeria’s opportunity to leapfrog fossil-powered logistics by electrifying its containerised trade, potentially unlocking $830 million in investments by 2030, creating skilled jobs, reducing 390 ktCO₂e emissions, and improving power reliability and public health.
With over 40 ports worldwide already embracing electrification and proven success in emerging markets like Kenya and India, Nigeria is well-positioned to follow. Achieving this, however, requires strong public-private collaboration and urgent action on power supply and equipment electrification.
APM Terminals operates two container terminals in Nigeria – Apapa in Lagos and WACT in Onne – as well as a container depot in Kano, says the CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke:
“Containerised trade is a vital backbone of economic development in Nigeria, and we view the country as a key growth market. We believe that electrification plays an integral part in bringing operations to the globally most advanced level. This white paper outlines a clear roadmap for how public-private partnerships can unlock electrified and decarbonised operations. From our global experience as a terminal operator, we know that beyond lowering emissions, electrification improves the working environment, reduces air and noise pollution, and delivers tangible benefits to neighbouring communities.”
“Our findings clearly show that the time to act is now,” says Eveline Speelman, Partner in Systemiq. “Electrification aligns with upcoming investment cycles and can drive progress on key national priorities. With nearly 60% of container terminal concessions approaching renewal, the moment is right to embed electrification into the next wave of logistics infrastructure investment.”
Credit: THE NATION
