Sustainable Transport Transition Must Start at Nigerian Ports, Says APM Terminals

APM Terminals Nigeria is urging that the transition to sustainable transport must commence at Nigerian ports. Westtar Kapito, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, emphasized this point during a session at the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum in Lagos.

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At APM Terminals, we recognise that the transition to sustainable transport begins at our ports. This is why we have invested heavily in modernising Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure. Today, we are building the foundation for future electrification.

Kapito highlighted APM Terminals' commitment to this transition, citing substantial investments in modernizing Nigeria's maritime infrastructure. "At APM Terminals, we recognise that the transition to sustainable transport begins at our ports," he stated. The company is actively building the foundation for future electrification, with every modern crane, digital system, and operational upgrade bringing them closer to next-generation sustainable port operations. He envisions future ports as smarter, more connected, energy-efficient, and increasingly electrified.

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Every modern crane, digital system, operational upgrade and infrastructure improvement brings us one step closer to the next generation of sustainable port operations. We understand that the port of the future will not simply be larger, it will be smarter, more connected, more energy efficient and increasingly electrified.

APM Terminals Nigeria is investing in the modernization of APM Terminals Apapa, developing WACT Onne into Nigeria's first green port, and enhancing digitalization and infrastructure. They are also exploring waterway solutions and partnering with Barging Marine Solutions limited. Kapito sees this as more than just sustainability; it's about positioning Nigeria as Africa's premier gateway for sustainable trade.

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Sustainable transport represents one of the greatest economic opportunities before Nigeria today. Not simply because it can reduce emissions but because it can unlock investment, strengthen supply chains, improve energy infrastructure, create skilled jobs and position Nigeria as the leading maritime gateway for Africa.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), called for investment to optimize the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge line, which saw its last trip in September 2024. The NRC is also planning to decarbonize its locomotive fleet, aligning with the government's clean energy drive. Opeifa believes Nigeria presents a ready market for such investments, emphasizing the economic opportunities in sustainable transport, including reduced emissions, unlocked investment, strengthened supply chains, improved energy infrastructure, and job creation.

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We want the Lagos-Kano line to be fully operational. The last trip made through this line was in September 2024. However, we have been able to get this rail working again from Lagos to up until Ilorin. Just recently, we moved cement from Lagos to Ilorin a few times, making the fourth move in the last one month. Imagine being able to move cargo from Apapa port down to the Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna and Kano.