Operator Records 6% Export Growth In H1, As Soybeans, Solid Minerals Top Shipments

Terminal operator, APM Terminals Apapa, has recorded a six per cent increase in export volumes in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export growth and improving access to international markets.

The operator, which is located at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, attributed the growth to the resilience of Nigerian exporters and operational improvements introduced to facilitate export trade.

Speaking to journalists, the Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Kamal Alhraishat, said exports through the terminal had maintained a positive growth trajectory over the past five years.

According to him, the trend reflects the resilience of Nigerian exporters as well as targeted improvements aimed at facilitating export trade, simplifying cargo flows and improving access to international markets.

“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 said the terminal had introduced several initiatives to encourage export activities, including dedicated export lanes at its gate to accelerate cargo access and improve the movement of export-bound containers.

“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,” he said.

Alhraishat also highlighted the terminal’s rail connectivity, noting that the Lagos-Moniya (Ibadan) rail service operates three times weekly and provides exporters with an alternative to road transportation.

He explained that the rail connection could reduce exporters’ reliance on trucks and exposure to interstate and Apapa traffic, thereby improving the predictability of cargo movement and facilitating more efficient access to international markets.

The terminal also receives export cargo through the Ebute Metta rail corridor, which facilitates the movement of cargo from different parts of Lagos to the port while helping exporters avoid traffic congestion and reduce transit times.

Beyond operational improvements, Alhraishat said the terminal had continued to provide platforms for collaboration among stakeholders in the export value chain.

He cited the Exporters Forum, now in its third year, as an initiative that brings together exporters, government agencies, shipping lines, logistics partners and other stakeholders to address challenges affecting export trade.

“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,” he said.

According to him, the next session of the forum is scheduled to hold at the terminal on Wednesday, September 2.

The terminal’s major export commodities include soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus flowers and solid minerals, reflecting the growing role of agricultural products and other non-oil commodities in Nigeria’s export trade.

Speaking on the significance of the Exporters Forum, the Head of Commercial, Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, said the initiative aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to build an export-led economy.

He stressed that time remained a critical factor in export trade, particularly for agricultural commodities, warning that delays along the supply chain could affect the quality of goods and, in some cases, make them unsuitable for export.

“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 remained committed to working with customers, government agencies and other industry stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s export ecosystem and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian products in global markets.