Terminals Apapa Achieves Record Export Volume, Signaling Positive Trade Growth
APM Terminals Apapa has reported a significant surge in export cargo handling, processing an impressive 8,687 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in April 2025. This figure represents an increase of over 30 percent compared to the 6,606 TEUs handled during the same period in 2024.
In a statement released on Sunday, the terminal highlighted that this milestone marks the highest monthly export volume it has achieved since its inception in 2006, underscoring a notable upward trend in its operations.
Commenting on this achievement, the Terminal Manager at APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, emphasized the encouraging pattern of consistent growth in Nigeria’s export volumes in recent times. He underscored the substantial positive impact this development has on Nigeria’s overall trade balance, stressing the economic advantages for Nigerian shippers when vessels depart ports with full loads of export goods.
Knudsen further explained that preventing ships from sailing empty has a beneficial effect on the overall cost of shipments entering Nigeria, potentially leading to more competitive import prices.
He attributed this positive trajectory to strategic enhancements and investments implemented at the terminal. “Our aim 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,” Knudsen stated.
He further detailed other key improvements, saying, “Additionally, we have expanded our yard capacity for exports and introduced dedicated truck lanes to streamline the process, reducing the time exports spend in the terminal and ensuring timely ship departures.” These measures appear to be contributing significantly to the increased efficiency of export processing.
Knudsen also expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts and unwavering support of key government agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC). He noted that their support enables APM Terminals Apapa to maintain its focus on delivering top-tier services to its clientele.
The data provided by APM Terminals Apapa indicates a consistent upward trend in export volumes over the past four years. In 2022, the terminal handled 53,807 TEUs of exports, a figure that rose to 70,432 TEUs in 2023 and further increased to 77,631 TEUs in 2024. The record-breaking volume in April 2025 suggests a continuation and acceleration of this positive growth trajectory for Nigeria's export sector.