In a landmark move to align with the global agenda of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, APM Terminals Apapa has partnered with innovative waste management firm, Garbage In Value Out (GIVO), to launch a state-of-the-art zero-carbon recycling hub in Lagos. The initiative, located in Apapa, targets a dual goal of reducing plastic pollution and empowering communities through job creation and sustainable environmental practices.
The project, officially unveiled on June 9, 2025, marks a significant stride toward corporate-driven climate action within Nigeria’s maritime and logistics sector. The recycling hub is set to process over 300 kilograms of waste daily, significantly contributing to carbon emission reductions while promoting a circular economy model in one of Africa’s busiest port corridors.
Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, stated that the collaboration is part of the company’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which emphasizes environmental sustainability, education, and healthcare. “This partnership with GIVO reinforces our commitment to a cleaner and greener Apapa. It is an investment in people and the planet, and it aligns with our goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040,” Knudsen said.
Knudsen added that the facility not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also drives local employment. “By managing waste locally and reducing the need for long-distance transport, we cut down CO₂ emissions and simultaneously create meaningful jobs for Nigerians,” he noted.
Victor Boyle-Komolafe, CEO of GIVO, highlighted the project’s impact on carbon savings and economic empowerment. According to him, the recycling hub will prevent up to 3,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. “In addition to its environmental benefits, this project has already created over 50 indirect jobs and 15 direct jobs, mainly for young people and women in the community,” Boyle-Komolafe said.
The initiative has received widespread commendation from key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime and environmental sectors. Gloria Anyasodo, Coordinator for the Western Zone of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), praised the project, saying it aligns with the agency’s mission to ensure sustainable maritime practices. “This initiative is a step in the right direction. NIMASA is ready to collaborate with industry players to keep our waterways clean and safe,” Anyasodo stated.
Florence Onyelum, Head of Public Relations at Lagos Port Complex Apapa, urged community members to take ownership of the project and become active participants in the battle against plastic pollution. “Everyone has a role to play in preserving our environment. This hub is not just for the port but for all of Apapa and beyond,” she said.
The Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Lagos State Governor, Titilayo Oshodi, hailed the hub as a transformative model. “What we’re witnessing here is a practical solution to the global climate crisis. It demonstrates how private-public partnerships can deliver sustainable development and inclusive green growth,” she emphasized.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, faces mounting pressure to meet its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement. With over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, Lagos alone accounts for a significant portion of the environmental burden. Initiatives like the APM-GIVO recycling hub serve as critical pathways toward reducing the country’s carbon footprint and building climate-resilient urban centers.
The recycling hub is also expected to spark greater awareness around climate responsibility within Nigeria’s maritime sector, which is vital for international trade. It provides a replicable model for other port cities across Africa to implement low-emission recycling solutions.
As the world races against time to avert the worst effects of climate change, the APM Terminals and GIVO partnership stands as a shining example of how business can lead the transition to a greener future. With a clear vision for zero emissions by 2040, the Apapa recycling hub is not just a facility—it is a symbol of Nigeria’s evolving commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth.