By Godwin Oritse
APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s largest container terminal, recorded a 6 per cent increase in export volumes in the first half of 2026, re-enforcing its continued efforts to boost the country’s non-oil exports and enhance Nigerian businesses’ access to international markets.
Terminal Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, attributed the growth to the resilience of Nigerian exporters, supported by a series of operational and service improvements designed to facilitate export trade.
“Over the last five years, exports through our terminal have maintained a positive growth trajectory. This reflects both the resilience of Nigerian exporters and the targeted improvements we have made to facilitate export trade, simplify cargo flows and improve access to international markets,” Alhraishat said.
He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the terminal to encourage exports, including dedicated export lanes at the terminal gate to accelerate cargo terminal access.
“Our role goes beyond handling containers. We want to make it easier, faster and more competitive for Nigerian exporters to access global markets. Dedicated export lanes and our rail connectivity are all designed around that objective.
“The rail connection between Lagos and Moniya (Ibadan) operates three times a week, providing exporters with an efficient alternative to road transportation. 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.
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 and reduce transit times to the port.
Alhraishat noted that beyond operational improvements, the terminal continues to create platforms that encourage collaboration among stakeholders across the export value chain.
“Through our Exporters Forum, now in its third year, we are creating a platform where exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics partners and other stakeholders can come together to address real challenges across the export value chain.
“The objective is not only to discuss these challenges, but to translate the feedback into practical actions that make Nigerian exports more efficient and competitive. Our next session is scheduled to hold at the terminal on Wednesday, September 2,” he said.
The terminal’s major export commodities include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers and solid minerals.
Speaking on the significance of the Exporters Forum, Head of Commercial, Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to build an export-led economy.
“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.
He added that APM Terminals Apapa remains committed to working with customers, government agencies and other industry partners to strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.
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