U.S. seeks Nigeria’s partnership to promote eco-friendly ports

U.S. seeks Nigeria’s partnership to promote eco-friendly ports

The United States, through a delegation led by California’s Secretary of Transportation, Toks Omishakin, has shown interest in collaborating with Nigeria to enhance environmentally sustainable port operations. The U.S. highlighted innovations such as shore power systems that allow ships to plug in while docked, thereby cutting down on harmful emissions.

The visit to APM Terminals Apapa in Lagos formed part of a 10-day trade mission to Nigeria and Kenya, organised by the California State Transportation Agency, Bay Area Council, and the University of California. Discussions centered on climate action, trade, infrastructure, and technology.

Omishakin praised the quality of Nigerian port operations, noting their similarities to U.S. systems, and emphasised that Nigerian ports have the capacity to meet global standards. He commended the workforce and stressed the potential for stronger California–Nigeria partnerships.

Other members of the delegation, including the Bay Area Council’s Vice President of Global Programmes, Alex Ford, and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Dilpreet Sidhu, also lauded the facilities. They stressed that California’s experience with the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach—the busiest in the Western Hemisphere—could form the basis for knowledge exchange, trade expansion, and climate-friendly innovation with Nigeria.

APM Terminals Nigeria’s CEO, Frederik Klinke, welcomed the partnership drive, describing the visit as a step towards deepening collaboration while reinforcing the company’s global stakeholder engagement strategy.