APM Terminals CEO Urges Nigeria to Reform Exports for West Africa Hub Status
The Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, has called on Nigeria to prioritize consistent regulatory reforms and advance port modernization to fully realize its export potential and establish itself as a leading maritime hub in West Africa. Speaking at the Blue Economy Investment Summit in Abuja, Klinke emphasized that Nigeria's maritime economy is at a critical juncture where sustained alignment between policy, infrastructure investment, and execution could unlock even greater export growth.
Seizing East-West Africa Trade Growth
Klinke highlighted that East-West Africa trade volumes rose by over 30 percent in 2025, making it the fastest-growing container trade corridor globally. He stated that Nigeria is well positioned to capture a larger share of this growth if it continues to strengthen its maritime infrastructure and logistics systems. Key recommendations include deepening channel drafts to accommodate larger vessels, accelerating the full integration of digital systems across the port ecosystem, and improving multimodal transport networks and trade corridors.
Reducing cargo dwell times and simplifying documentation processes will not only lower the cost of doing business but also enhance Nigeria's credibility in international trade, further boosting export competitiveness, Klinke explained.
Remarkable Resilience and Momentum
Klinke noted that Nigeria's maritime sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience and momentum, with a dramatic surge in export volumes positioning the country as an emerging force in global trade. He cited data from the Nigerian Ports Authority's third-quarter 2025 report, which showed that export-laden container volumes surged by 1,085 percent. This growth is attributed to deliberate policy measures and operational improvements aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing bottlenecks.
Despite persistent global challenges, including rising freight costs, longer shipping routes, and increased insurance premiums, Klinke emphasized that Nigeria's export expansion reflects a sector responding positively to reform. However, he warned that without sustained intervention and coordination, external pressures could still undermine the country's diversification agenda.
Investments and Future Outlook
APM Terminals Nigeria has aligned its operations to support and capitalize on the upward trend in exports. Klinke revealed that the company has invested over $600 million in its Nigerian terminals, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and infrastructure upgrades to facilitate smoother cargo movement. These investments are already contributing to export growth, he added.
Klinke concluded by urging stakeholders to maintain focus on reforms to ensure Nigeria can fully harness its maritime potential and become a dominant player in regional and global trade networks.
