APM Terminals Nigeria has called for the transition to sustainable transport to begin at the nation's seaports, stressing that modernising port infrastructure is key to achieving cleaner and more efficient logistics operations.
Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Westtar Kapito, made the call during a thematic session on sustainable transport at the 10th Nigeria–EU Business Forum held in Lagos.
Kapito said the company has invested significantly in upgrading Nigeria's maritime infrastructure to prepare for future electrification and sustainable port operations.
According to him, investments in modern cranes, digital systems, operational upgrades and infrastructure improvements are laying the foundation for smarter, more connected, energy-efficient and increasingly electrified ports.
He noted that APM Terminals Nigeria is advancing the initiative through the modernisation of APM Terminals Apapa, the development of West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) Onne into Nigeria's first green port, increased investments in digitalisation and infrastructure, waterway transport solutions and partnerships with Barging Marine Solutions Limited.
Kapito said the country's sustainable transport agenda presents an opportunity beyond reducing carbon emissions, describing it as a pathway to attracting investment, strengthening supply chains, improving energy infrastructure, creating skilled jobs and positioning Nigeria as Africa's leading maritime gateway.
Also speaking, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Kayode Opeifa, said the corporation is working to maximise the use of existing rail infrastructure and urged greater investment in the Lagos-Kano narrow gauge railway.
Opeifa disclosed that rail services have resumed from Lagos to Ilorin, with cement recently transported along the route several times within the past month.
He said the corporation aims to restore full operations on the Lagos-Kano corridor, enabling cargo movement from Apapa Port to inland dry ports in Kaduna and Kano.
The NRC managing director also announced plans to decarbonise the corporation's locomotive fleet in line with the Federal Government's clean energy agenda, while encouraging private sector investment in the sector, noting that Nigeria offers a ready market for such initiatives.
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