The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA is expanding export infrastructure and streamlining cargo processing to reduce bottlenecks facing non-oil exporters and increase foreign exchange inflows into the Nigerian economy.
The NPA Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this at the NPA Special Day during the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Dantsoho said the authority was strengthening port infrastructure and extending maritime logistics into the hinterland to enable businesses across the country access international markets more efficiently.
He said Nigeria’s economic resilience could no longer depend largely on imports and oil revenues, stressing that expanding non-oil exports and integrating businesses into global value chains were critical to sustainable economic growth.
According to him, the recent Federal Government approval transferring Inland Dry Port (IDP) management and development functions to the NPA would bring port services closer to businesses located far from coastal ports, particularly exporters in northern and central Nigeria.
“By bringing Inland Dry Ports under the operational purview of the NPA, exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including right here in Abuja, no longer need to move raw commodities to coastal ports before undergoing port clearance and documentation,” he said.
Dantsoho said the NPA had also operationalised dedicated Export Processing Terminals as part of efforts to eliminate bottlenecks confronting non-oil exporters.
He explained that the terminals provide one-stop facilities where sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation can be completed before export cargo is moved to port terminals.
The NPA chief said the measures were supporting increased export activity in agricultural commodities and solid minerals, noting that products including cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus had recorded increased export activity over the past two years.
He said more efficient export channels would improve foreign buyers’ confidence in Nigerian products and increase foreign exchange inflows, urging businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to take advantage of the emerging infrastructure.
“To our prospective businessmen and entrepreneurs, now is the time to embrace export trade,” he said.
Dantsoho said integrating Inland Dry Ports with seaport operations would make exporting from different parts of the country more accessible and commercially viable, while assuring exporters of the NPA’s commitment to providing efficient port services and extending maritime logistics across the country.
Also speaking, the Director General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, called for stronger collaboration between the Chamber and the NPA to improve trade, investment and supply chain efficiency.
Jideani said the efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports had direct implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators and other businesses.
He said closer engagement between the NPA and organised private sector would improve the ease of doing business and strengthen Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade.
According to him, ACCI could provide a platform for businesses to share practical experiences with the NPA, while the Authority could use such engagements to educate the business community on port operations, trade facilitation initiatives and opportunities within the maritime sector.
He said the Chamber was ready to deepen the relationship through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
Jideani added that stronger institutional collaboration was particularly important as businesses sought improved market access, stronger supply chains and a more conducive environment for trade and investment.