The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has called on traders and investors to take advantage of the simplified export processes and other opportunities now available at Nigerian ports.
Speaking at the ‘Special Day’ of the NPA during the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair, Dr. Dantsoho assured stakeholders that the Authority remains open for partnerships beyond the trade fair.
“I therefore want to warmly invite you to interact with our business development team at the NPA pavilion and to also visit our fully interactive online real-time website, www.nigerianports.gov.ng, to access our growth offerings,” he said.
Dr. Dantsoho highlighted that, in line with the Federal Government’s drive for economic diversification and trade balance, the NPA established Export Process Terminals (EPTs) to ease the previously cumbersome process of exporting Nigerian goods.
“The EPTs were conceptualized to serve as a one-stop-shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification, and onward shipment through electronic call-up to the ports in quick turnaround time. This eliminates the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace,” he explained.
He further noted that to improve port-hinterland connectivity and facilitate the participation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the export value chain, the EPTs are being linked with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other relevant partners.
According to Dr. Dantsoho, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Ease of Doing Business policy and the theme of this year’s trade fair, “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation.”
He also disclosed that the NPA is aggressively pursuing the full automation of all its processes through the Ports Community System (PCS), which lays the groundwork for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW).
“The NSW is the global best practice for delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease by connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button,” he stated.
Dr. Dantsoho commended the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for sustaining the culture of hospitality and business friendliness that continues to attract participants from around the world to the Kaduna International Trade Fair, fostering economic prosperity.
He emphasized Kaduna’s strategic position as a major trade and transportation hub, serving as the gateway to Nigeria’s northern hinterland and landlocked neighboring countries. He also highlighted its rich agro-allied potential, which is crucial to the NPA’s efforts in linking local value producers in the non-oil sector with international markets.
“As Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform, the Nigerian Ports Authority is always proud to be associated with the noble cause that this fair represents, especially seeing that trade remains the most veritable tool for actualizing most of our economic aspirations,” Dr. Dantsoho added.
