APM Terminals Apapa registra un crecimiento de las exportaciones del 6% en el primer semestre de 2026

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria's largest container terminal, reported a 6% increase in export volumes during the first half of 2026. This growth underscores the terminal's ongoing commitment to enhancing the nation's non-oil export sector and improving Nigerian businesses' access to international markets. Terminal Managing Director Kamal Alhraishat credited this rise to the resilience of Nigerian exporters and the implementation of operational and service enhancements aimed at streamlining export trade. Alhraishat emphasized that over the past five years, exports through the terminal have consistently shown positive growth. This trend, he explained, is a result of both the determination of Nigerian exporters and the strategic improvements made by the terminal to facilitate export trade, simplify cargo flows, and improve access to international markets. He pointed to specific initiatives such as dedicated export lanes at the terminal gate, which are designed to expedite cargo access and processing. “Our role extends beyond merely handling containers,” Alhraishat stated. “We aim to make it easier, faster, and more competitive for Nigerian exporters to access global markets. Initiatives like our dedicated export lanes and rail connectivity are all focused on achieving this goal.” The rail link between Lagos and Moniya in Ibadan operates three times a week, offering exporters an efficient alternative to road transportation. This rail connection helps reduce dependency on trucks and minimizes exposure to interstate and Apapa traffic, thereby improving the predictability of cargo movement and enabling exporters to reach international markets more efficiently. Additionally, the terminal receives export cargo via the Ebute Metta rail corridor, which aids in moving goods from various parts of Lagos, thus avoiding traffic congestion and reducing transit times to the port. Beyond operational improvements, the terminal has been actively creating platforms to foster collaboration among stakeholders across the export value chain. Through its Exporters Forum, now in its third year, the terminal brings together exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics partners, and other relevant stakeholders to tackle real challenges faced in the export process. “The objective is not just to discuss these challenges but to convert the feedback into actionable steps that enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian exports,” Alhraishat remarked. The next session of the forum is set to take place at the terminal on Wednesday, September 2. Major export commodities handled by the terminal include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers, and solid minerals. These items reflect the diversity of Nigeria's non-oil export base and highlight the importance of infrastructure and logistical improvements in supporting such trade. Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, Head of Commercial at APM Terminals Apapa, underscored the alignment of the Exporters Forum with the Federal Government's push towards building an export-led economy. He stressed the importance of time in export trade, especially for agricultural products, noting that delays in the supply chain can impact the quality of goods and potentially render them unsuitable for export upon arrival at their destinations. Olufemi-Daniel mentioned that the terminal regularly reviews its operational procedures and engages stakeholders to identify areas for improvement and reduce delays throughout the value chain. He reiterated the terminal's dedication to collaborating with customers, government agencies, and other industry partners to bolster Nigeria's export ecosystem and elevate the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets. The terminal's efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that Nigeria's export capabilities keep pace with evolving global demands while addressing local challenges that hinder efficient trade operations. As the terminal continues to implement and refine its strategies, it aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Nigeria's export landscape.