APM Terminals Apapa is stepping up efforts to improve Nigeria’s export logistics with plans to expand rail cargo evacuation and introduce round-the-clock barge operations later this year.
The initiatives are part of the terminal’s strategy to reduce delays, improve cargo movement and make the Apapa port more attractive to exporters.
The company disclosed the plans at the third edition of its Exporters Forum, which brought together exporters, shipping companies, logistics operators, regulators, academics and other stakeholders in the maritime sector.
The forum, themed “Exports – Voice of Customers Forum,” focused on identifying obstacles within Nigeria’s export supply chain and developing practical measures to address them.
Speaking at the event, APM Terminals Apapa Head of Commercial, Kayode Olufemi-Daniel, said the company was working with stakeholders to identify the root causes of delays and develop solutions that would increase the volume and efficiency of exports through the terminal.
Finger Jetty to operate 24 hours
A major part of the new strategy is the expansion of barge operations through the terminal’s dedicated Finger Jetty.
The facility is expected to begin operating around the clock in the fourth quarter of 2026, allowing customers to move export containers into the terminal, evacuate imports and return empty containers at any time.
Olufemi-Daniel said the dedicated facility would significantly increase the terminal’s barge-handling capacity, eliminating the previous reliance on the main quay for barging activities.
He said the terminal was also improving communication and coordination with exporters, importers, shipping lines and government agencies in an effort to provide greater cargo visibility and make the export process more predictable.
Rail evacuation gets major boost
APM Terminals is also targeting a significant increase in the number of export containers transported by rail.
The terminal’s Key Client Manager, Adesoji Olaniyan, disclosed that the company was targeting the movement of 60 per cent of its export containers by rail.
He explained that the terminal currently uses rail connections through two locations, allowing exporters to collect empty containers, load their goods and return the laden containers to the port by rail.
Each location currently records about three rail calls weekly, depending on demand, with each train capable of carrying approximately 60 TEUs.
According to Olaniyan, rail remains one of the most cost-effective options for moving export cargo, particularly as exporters seek alternatives to road transportation and the congestion associated with truck movements.
Focus on non-oil exports
The expansion comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to grow non-oil exports and diversify its sources of foreign exchange.
APM Terminals Apapa recorded a 6 per cent increase in export volumes in the first half of 2026, with commodities handled at the terminal including soybeans, cashew nuts, cocoa, hibiscus and solid minerals.
The terminal said its investments in rail connectivity, dedicated export lanes and other operational improvements are intended to make Nigerian products more competitive in international markets.
Olufemi-Daniel stressed that time is particularly important for agricultural exporters because prolonged delays can affect the quality of perishable products and, in some cases, make them unsuitable for export.
APM Terminals said it would continue working with industry stakeholders to address bottlenecks across the supply chain and strengthen Apapa’s position as a major gateway for Nigeria’s export trade.
