Kapito: APM Terminals Apapa Is a Major Enabler of Nigeria’s Export Trade

APM Terminals Apapa, Nigeria’s biggest container terminal, has reaffirmed its role as a key engine behind the country’s export expansion, using strategic investments, cutting‑edge technology, and customer‑centric solutions to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian goods abroad.

During an Export Management Workshop hosted by Lagos Business School in Lagos, Chief Commercial Officer Westtar Kapito of APM Terminals Apapa underscored the terminal’s essential function in streamlining trade and adding value for exporters nationwide.

In his talk titled “The Role of APM Terminals in Facilitating Exports in Nigeria,” Kapito explained that the company’s ongoing investments in infrastructure, equipment, technology, and human capital are intentionally aimed at reinforcing Nigeria’s trade ecosystem and fostering economic growth.

“APM Terminals Apapa has made a long‑term commitment to Nigeria and its economic growth. Over the years, we have invested significantly in modern port infrastructure, cargo‑handling equipment, yard capacity, digital solutions and the development of our people. These investments are strategic interventions aimed at enabling trade, supporting exporters and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets,” he said.

Kapito emphasized that digitisation stands out as one of the company’s most transformative investments, streamlining procedures, boosting transparency, and elevating the customer experience for importers and exporters alike.

“Our vision is to make doing business through the port as easy, efficient and predictable as possible. Through digitalisation, customers enjoy greater visibility of their cargo, faster processing times and improved access to information. These improvements translate directly into lower operational challenges and greater efficiency in the movement of goods through the supply chain,” he stated.

Professor Frank Ojadi, Export Programme Director at Lagos Business School, highlighted the need for ongoing capacity building among freight forwarders and clearing agents, observing that enhanced expertise and professionalism in the export sector would markedly boost national export performance.