Export Cargo Volumes Already Up 30%, Boosting Trade Balance
Lagos: The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has hailed the proposed $600 million expansion by APM Terminals Apapa as a clear endorsement of Nigeria’s maritime sector and ongoing reforms.
The NSC Governing Board announced this during a familiarisation visit to the Apapa facility on Thursday.
Dr Ibrahim Shema, NSC Board Chairman, welcomed APM Terminals’ planned investment, emphasising the importance of partnerships with private operators in making Nigeria a top maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
“The way the organisations involved their stakeholders is notable. It shows that the government is very serious about generating revenue through this sector, and there is no doubt that foreign investors are interested in committing even more resources,” Shema said.
Executive Secretary of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, added that the council was intensifying oversight to ensure compliance, innovation, and improved service delivery across the sector.
He praised APM Terminals Apapa for its operations, noting that export cargo volumes had already grown by about 30 per cent, a sign of progress toward a more balanced trade structure for Nigeria.
Akutah noted new export opportunities in manufacturing and petroleum while stressing that the $600 million investment aligns with federal efforts to attract foreign investment and upgrade port infrastructure.
Kamal Alhraishat, APM Terminals Apapa Managing Director, described the switch to electronic data interchange systems, which has boosted operational efficiency and transparency across the logistics chain.
Alhraishat reiterated the company’s commitment to continued investment in infrastructure and technology to support Nigeria’s trade growth and port competitiveness.