APM Terminals Apapa has recorded over 30 per cent increase in export volumes in a single month, its highest since commencing operations in 2006.
In April 2025, the terminal handled 8,687 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of export cargo, representing a significant rise of over 30 per cent compared to the 6,606 TEUs recorded in April 2024.
The Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, said the terminal has witnessed a steady increase in export volumes over the past four years.
He noted that the terminal handled 53,807 TEUs in 2022, which rose to 70,432 TEUs in 2023 and 77,631 TEUs in 2024.
Knudsen highlighted the positive trend of consistent growth in Nigeria’s export volumes, emphasising that this development significantly benefits the country’s trade balance.
Knudsen emphasised that it is advantageous for Nigerian shippers when vessels depart the country’s ports fully loaded with exports, adding that minimising empty departures positively impacts the overall cost of imports into Nigeria.
He attributed the upward trend to strategic enhancements implemented at the terminal.
“Our goal aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of transforming Nigeria into an export-driven economy. To support this, we launched a new rail service in February to expedite the movement of goods from the hinterland to Apapa Port,” he stated.
Knudsen added that the terminal’s expanded yard capacity for exports and the introduction of dedicated truck lanes have streamlined operations, reduced dwell time for export cargo, and ensured timely vessel departures.
Expressing appreciation for inter-agency collaboration, Knudsen commended the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Railway Corporation, and other key stakeholders, stating that their unwavering support enables the terminal to consistently deliver top-tier service to its customers.
