APM Terminals Expands Barge Capacity for Non-Oil Exports 

APM Terminals

APM Terminals Apapa has increased its capacity to handle more non-oil exports by expanding its barge lanes. This development was announced during the company’s second Exporters Forum held in Lagos. The expansion aims to support exporters and improve the terminal’s export processes. 

Feedback Leads to Improvements 

Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, highlighted the importance of listening to customers’ feedback. She noted that, since the last forum, the terminal has made several improvements, including more barge slots, the launch of a new booking app, and better rail services for quicker logistics. This forum allows us to get feedback from our customers to keep building solutions that help exporters grow their business and boost Nigeria’s exports,” she said. 

Non-Oil Exports Key to Economic Growth 

Courage Obadagbonyi, Chief Financial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, stressed the importance of non-oil exports in boosting foreign exchange, creating jobs, and reducing inflation. He explained that the terminal operator is committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification by promoting non-oil exports. We’ve recorded a 25% increase in non-oil exports, handling 51,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first half of 2024, compared to 47,000 TEUs in the same period of 2023,” Obadagbonyi noted. He also called for further investments in transport infrastructure, streamlined export processes, and better product quality to boost Nigeria’s export potential. 

This forum allows us to get feedback from our customers to keep building solutions that help exporters grow their business and boost Nigeria’s exports.” — Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, Chief Commercial Officer, APM Terminals Nigeria 

Faster Export Processes 

Riyaz Melekolangath, Head of Operations at APM Terminals Apapa, explained that the terminal has extended its gate access and introduced dedicated export lanes, reducing the time it takes to process export containers. Industry experts attending the event praised APM Terminals for its improved export processes and its focus on reducing carbon emissions through rail transport. Olabunmi Olumekun, President of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria, commended the terminal for listening to the concerns of barge operators and improving export capacity. We need to boost exports to balance trade, and APM Terminals is taking the right steps to make this happen,” said Olumekun. 

Focus on Sustainability 

Jetson Nwankwo, Managing Director of Bueno Logistics Limited, applauded APM Terminals for promoting the use of rail for cargo movement, which helps reduce carbon emissions. He suggested that if APM Terminals earns carbon credits, they could potentially lower some charges, benefiting exporters further. Since its concession in 2006, APM Terminals has invested $438 million in developing the Apapa terminal, modernizing its facilities, and increasing capacity from 200,000 TEUs per year to 1.2 million TEUs. This investment has helped transform the terminal into a key player in Nigeria’s export industry. 

In conclusion, APM Terminals’ efforts to expand its barge lanes and improve export processes reflect its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s non-oil export sector. With increased capacity, better logistics, and a focus on sustainability, the terminal is playing a key role in boosting the country’s economic diversification. Continued investments in infrastructure and collaboration with industry stakeholders will further enhance Nigeria’s export potential, promoting long-term growth.