Export volumes through APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, grew six percent in the first half of 2026, the terminal said.
The growth is due to “the resilience of Nigerian exporters,” supported by some improvements made to “facilitate export trade, simplify cargo flows and improve access to international markets,” said Kamal Alhraishat, managing director of APM Terminals Apapa.
The growth, which has sustained for five years, has been the result of investments in dedicated export lanes and rail connectivity designed to connect global markets, the terminal said.
“The rail connection between Lagos and Moniya in Ibadan operates three times a week, providing exporters with an efficient alternative to road transportation,” Alhraishat said. “By reducing reliance on trucks and exposure to interstate and Apapa traffic, we can improve the predictability of cargo movement and help exporters reach international markets more efficiently,” he added.
Read also**: Apapa-Moniya rail offers alternative for exporters**
The terminal also receives export cargo through the Ebute Metta rail corridor, which facilitates cargo movement from various parts of Lagos, helping exporters avoid traffic congestion.
The terminal’s major export commodities include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers and solid minerals.
The manager pointed to its exporters forum, where it encourages exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics partners and other stakeholders to convene and address challenges across the export value chain. Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, head of commercial, said the initiatives are important to build an export-led economy in Nigeria.
“Time is a critical factor in export trade, particularly for agricultural products. Delays within the supply chain can affect the quality of goods and, in some cases, render them unsuitable for export by the time they reach their destination. That is why we continuously review our operational processes and engage all stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement and reduce delays across the value chain,” Olufemi-Daniel said.
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