Nigeria to phase out diesel, launch first green ports – VP Shettima
By Kunle Sanni –
Vice President Kashim Shettima has announced that Nigeria will begin phasing out diesel dependency as part of a push to cut carbon emissions and transition to integrated hybrid energy systems.
Speaking at the opening of the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria (DIN) Summit in Abuja on Wednesday, Shettima said climate action is no longer a luxury but an economic necessity Nigeria must urgently embrace.
“We can no longer build yesterday’s infrastructure for tomorrow,” Shettima stated. “If our climate dreams do not align with our development realities, we will continue struggling to catch up with the rest of the world.”
A key highlight of the summit was the plan to transform Onne Port into Nigeria’s first green port, backed by nearly $60 million in private-sector investment. The project aims to provide 24-hour sustainable power for port operations while eliminating diesel use.
“This is a strategic leap,” Shettima said. “Through an integrated hybrid energy system, we will phase out diesel, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure affordable power for terminal operators and port users.”
The Vice President noted that 75% of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions come from infrastructure sectors like energy, transport, urban development, and agriculture—sectors that are also critical to economic growth.
“If we do this right, we can generate over 1.5 million green jobs by 2035 and tap into new export markets in clean energy and climate-smart agriculture,” he added.
Shettima warned that holding onto outdated energy models—such as diesel generators and unstable power grids—would continue to harm both the environment and the economy.
