By Benson Daniel
APM Terminals Apapa recorded a six per cent increase in export volumes in the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger activity among Nigerian exporters and improvements introduced to make cargo movement through the port more efficient.
The terminal, one of Nigeria’s major gateways for containerised trade, said the growth reinforced its efforts to support the country’s non oil export drive and improve access for Nigerian products to international markets.
Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, said exports through the terminal had maintained a positive growth trajectory over the past five years.
He attributed the latest increase to the resilience of Nigerian exporters and measures introduced by the terminal to simplify cargo flows, reduce bottlenecks and improve the efficiency of export operations.
Among the measures highlighted by the terminal are dedicated export lanes at its gate, designed to speed up access for export cargo and reduce delays before containers enter the facility.
The terminal has also continued to utilise rail connectivity as an alternative to road transportation. Its rail connection between Lagos and Moniya in Ibadan operates three times a week, providing exporters with another option for moving goods towards the port.
The rail network is particularly important for businesses seeking to avoid the congestion that frequently affects the Apapa corridor and other major roads used for transporting cargo.
The terminal also receives export cargo through the Ebute Metta rail corridor, allowing goods from different parts of Lagos to reach the port while reducing dependence on trucks and helping to shorten transit times.
The improvements are significant for exporters dealing in agricultural commodities, where delays can affect the quality and marketability of goods before they reach their destinations.
Major export commodities handled through the terminal include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers and solid minerals.
Beyond its operational changes, APM Terminals has also strengthened engagement with businesses and other stakeholders through its Exporters Forum.
The forum, now in its third year, brings together exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics companies and other participants in the export value chain to identify challenges affecting trade and develop practical solutions.
The initiative is intended to create a direct channel through which exporters can raise operational concerns and work with relevant stakeholders to address bottlenecks.
Head of Commercial at APM Terminals Apapa, Kayode Olufemi Daniel, said improving the speed and reliability of export processes was particularly important for agricultural products.
He noted that delays along the supply chain could undermine the quality of perishable goods and, in some cases, make them unsuitable for export by the time they arrive at their destination.
The terminal said it would continue to review its processes and engage customers, government agencies and industry partners in an effort to improve the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.
The six per cent increase comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil earnings by expanding non oil exports and connecting locally produced goods to wider international markets.
For exporters, however, sustained growth will depend not only on terminal efficiency but also on improvements across the wider logistics chain, including transportation, documentation, border procedures and access to reliable infrastructure.
The latest performance at Apapa therefore offers a positive indication of activity in Nigeria’s export sector, while also highlighting the importance of reducing the time and cost involved in moving locally produced goods from farms and factories to international buyers.
If the gains are sustained and supported by improvements across the broader supply chain, Nigeria could strengthen the competitiveness of its agricultural and mineral exports and capture a larger share of international trade
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