APM Terminals Apapa has announced a significant boost in export operations, handling 8,687 twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo in April 2025—marking a more than 30 percent increase compared to the 6,606 TEUs recorded in April 2024.
According to The PUNCH, the terminal operator described the figure as the highest monthly export volume since the terminal’s inception in 2006.
Reacting to the milestone, the Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, said the growth reflects a broader upward trend in Nigeria’s export activities.
“We are witnessing consistent growth in export volumes from Nigeria, and this is a very positive development for the nation’s trade balance,” Knudsen stated. “When ships leave our ports fully laden with export goods, it not only supports local producers but also lowers the overall cost of shipping into the country.”
Knudsen attributed the improvement to recent strategic upgrades and investments at the terminal. He noted that in February 2025, a new rail service was launched to accelerate the movement of cargo from inland regions to the Apapa Port.
“To further drive efficiency, we expanded our export yard and introduced dedicated truck lanes. These steps have significantly cut down cargo dwell time, enabling us to meet tight shipping schedules,” he explained.
The terminal manager also commended the collaboration with regulatory and infrastructure partners such as the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Railway Corporation, saying, “Their support has allowed us to maintain high service levels and focus on delivering value to exporters.”
According to Knudsen, APM Terminals Apapa has seen steady annual growth in export throughput. “In 2022, we processed 53,807 TEUs of exports, which rose to 70,432 in 2023, and then 77,631 in 2024. The current numbers are a continuation of that upward trend,” he said.
He emphasized that the company’s long-term vision aligns with the Federal Government’s goal of positioning Nigeria as an export-oriented economy.
“We are committed to being a key enabler of that transformation,” Knudsen added.
