By Palma Ileye
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intensified efforts to remove bottlenecks affecting non-oil exports, with a focus on expanding export channels, improving cargo processing and increasing 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).
The trade fair was held under the theme, “Resilient Trade, Taxation, and the Economy.”
Dantsoho said the authority was strengthening port infrastructure and extending maritime logistics into the hinterland to enable businesses across the country to access international markets more efficiently.
He said Nigeria could no longer depend heavily on oil revenues and imports for economic growth, stressing that expanding non-oil exports and integrating local businesses into global value chains were essential to building a resilient economy.
According to him, the recent Federal Government approval transferring the management and development functions of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) to the NPA would bring port services closer to businesses operating far from the coastal ports.
He noted that exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, would particularly benefit from the development as it would reduce the need to transport raw commodities to coastal ports before completing port clearance and documentation.
“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 also highlighted the operationalisation of dedicated Export Processing Terminals as part of measures introduced to address challenges facing non-oil exporters.
He explained that the terminals provide one-stop facilities where sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation could be completed before export cargo is transferred to port terminals.
He said the initiative was already supporting increased export activity in agricultural commodities and solid minerals while helping Nigerian producers meet international delivery schedules.
Dantsoho listed cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus among agricultural products recording increased export activity, alongside solid minerals.
He said improved export processes would strengthen the confidence of foreign buyers in Nigerian products and ultimately increase foreign exchange earnings.
The NPA chief urged businesses involved in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to take advantage of the emerging infrastructure and expand their presence in international markets.
“To our prospective businessmen and entrepreneurs, now is the time to embrace export trade,” he said.
He assured exporters that the NPA would continue to improve port services and extend maritime logistics to different parts of the country, with the aim of creating an environment where businesses could compete effectively in global markets.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, called for stronger collaboration between the chamber and the NPA to facilitate trade, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen the link between Nigeria’s maritime sector and the wider business community.
Jideani said closer engagement between the NPA and organised private sector was necessary to improve the ease of doing business, strengthen supply chains and enhance Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade.
He noted that the efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of Nigerian ports directly affected importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators and other businesses.
“The efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports have direct implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators, retailers and numerous other businesses across our sectoral groups,” he said.
Jideani said ACCI was particularly interested in strengthening the connection between businesses in the Federal Capital Territory and the national and international trade ecosystem.
He said the chamber was prepared to provide platforms for businesses to engage the NPA on operational challenges, while the authority could use such opportunities to educate the business community on port procedures, trade facilitation initiatives and opportunities in the maritime sector.
He described the NPA’s participation in the Abuja International Trade Fair as more than an exhibition, saying it provided an avenue for dialogue, stakeholder engagement and partnership.
Jideani said ACCI would deepen its relationship with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
He added that stronger institutional collaboration would help improve market access, strengthen supply chains and create new opportunities for businesses and investors.
The ACCI chief said the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair provided a platform for businesses, government agencies, investors, financial institutions, diplomatic missions and development partners to showcase products, establish connections, explore markets and address challenges affecting the economy.
He expressed optimism that a sustained partnership between ACCI and the NPA would contribute to more efficient trade, stronger economic linkages and improved competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.
