By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has rolled out a broad strategy to accelerate Nigeria’s non-oil exports, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, simplified export procedures, and full automation of port operations.
Speaking at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, the Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the authority is repositioning the country’s ports to better connect local producers, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs)—to international markets.
He described Enugu as a critical commercial hub for the South-East, with strong potential to drive export growth, especially in agro-allied products.
According to him, “Enugu’s strategic position as the gateway to the South-Eastern hinterland offers significant opportunities to expand export activities, which remains a core focus for the NPA.”
Dantsoho also commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for sustaining the trade fair as a platform for business growth and global trade engagement.
As part of efforts to boost cargo throughput and capacity, he revealed that the NPA is rehabilitating key eastern ports, including Onne, Warri, and Calabar, while supporting the development of new deep seaports across the region.
He noted that the authority is also providing technical support to deep seaport developers to ensure steady vessel and cargo traffic to eastern ports.
Reinforcing the importance of trade in national development, Dantsoho said the NPA is determined to eliminate longstanding bottlenecks that have limited Nigeria’s export competitiveness.
A key component of this reform drive is the introduction of Export Process Terminals (EPTs), designed to streamline export procedures.
He explained that the EPTs function as one-stop hubs for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification, and shipment—cutting down delays and eliminating duplication in the export process.
To further improve efficiency, the NPA is implementing the National Single Window (NSW) system, aimed at digitising port operations and reducing human interface.
Dantsoho said the move would curb inefficiencies and enhance transparency, describing the NSW as a global best practice that enables seamless interaction among all stakeholders in the trade value chain.
He added that the EPTs would be integrated with Domestic Export Warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other partners, strengthening connectivity between ports and inland production hubs.
Dantsoho reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to working with investors and exporters, urging stakeholders to leverage its platforms to access global markets.
“Our doors remain open for partnerships, as we continue to link producers across the hinterland with demand centres around the world,” he said.
