APM Terminals increase barge capacity, designate lanes for non-oil export 

APM Terminals Apapa has increased its barge capacity to handle larger volumes of non-oil exports in response to complaints from indigenous barge operators regarding the lack of attention to export trade.

Barge operators had previously expressed concerns that terminal operators were focusing less on exports, which was hindering the country’s export trade.

The Chief Financial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Courage Obadagbonyi, emphasised the significance of non-oil exports in generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, and curbing inflation, especially given the fluctuating global oil prices.

He reiterated the terminal’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic diversification efforts by promoting non-oil exports.

Obadagbonyi noted that the terminal has already achieved a 25 per cent increase in non-oil export throughput, handling 51,000 twenty-foot equivalent unit (TEUs) in the first half of 2024, compared to 47,000 TEUs during the same period in 2023.

He further stressed the need for additional investments in transport infrastructure, simplified export procedures and improved product quality to enhance Nigeria’s non-oil export potential.

The Head of Operations at APM Terminals Apapa, Riyaz Melekolangath, announced the creation of extended gate access and dedicated export lanes to reduce turnaround times for export containers.

The Managing Director of Bueno Logistics Limited, Jetson Nwankwo, praised APM Terminals for promoting rail transport to evacuate cargo from the port, noting that rail has a lower carbon emission footprint compared to trucks.

He suggested that by leveraging the terminal’s reduced carbon emissions, it could earn carbon credits, which could offset other expenses and potentially lower rates on demurrage, storage, or handling charges.

The President of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), Olabunmi Olumekun, stressed the importance of promoting exports to balance trade, ensuring that vessels don’t leave the ports without cargo.

He commended APM Terminals for addressing the concerns of barge operators, highlighting that goods are now arriving at terminals on time and the barging processes have improved.

Olumekun also praised the terminal’s focus on reducing carbon emissions through rail transport, positioning it as a key player in Nigeria’s export growth.

The Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, emphasised the importance of feedback from exporters, noting that the terminal had made significant service improvements following input from the last forum.

She said these include expanded barge slots, a new booking app, and enhanced rail services to streamline logistics.