NPA Tackles Export Bottlenecks, Seeks Higher Non-Oil Forex Earnings

By Stella Okocha 

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has stepped up efforts to remove bottlenecks affecting non-oil exports, with measures aimed at expanding export channels, improving cargo processing and increasing foreign exchange earnings.

NPA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during the authority’s Special Day at 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 NPA was strengthening port infrastructure and extending maritime logistics into the hinterland to enable exporters across the country to access international markets more efficiently.

He said Nigeria could no longer rely heavily on oil revenues and imports to sustain economic growth, stressing that expanding non-oil exports and integrating Nigerian businesses into global value chains were critical to building a resilient economy.

According to Dantsoho, 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 located far from the coastal ports.

He said the initiative would particularly benefit exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, by reducing the need to transport raw commodities to coastal ports before completing 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.

The NPA boss also cited the operationalisation of dedicated Export Processing Terminals as part of efforts to address challenges 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.

Dantsoho said the initiatives were supporting increased non-oil export activity, particularly in agricultural commodities and solid minerals, while helping Nigerian producers meet international delivery schedules.

He identified cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus among agricultural commodities that had recorded increased export activity over the past two years.

According to him, more efficient export channels would strengthen international buyers’ confidence in Nigerian products and increase foreign exchange inflows into the economy.

He urged businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to take advantage of the emerging export infrastructure and expand into international markets.

“To our prospective businessmen and entrepreneurs, now is the time to embrace export trade,” Dantsoho said.

He assured exporters that the NPA remained committed to improving port services and extending maritime logistics to different parts of the country.

Dantsoho said the authority’s objective was to create a trade-enabling environment where exporters, regardless of their size or location, could access reliable logistics support and compete effectively in global markets.

Also speaking, Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Agabaidu Jideani, called for stronger collaboration between the NPA and the organised private sector to facilitate trade, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen the connection between Nigeria’s maritime sector and the wider business community.

Jideani said closer engagement between the NPA and businesses was essential to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade.

He noted that the efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of Nigerian ports had direct implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators and retailers.

“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 wider national and international trade ecosystem.

He said the Chamber could provide a platform for businesses to share their experiences with the NPA, while the Authority could use such engagements to educate the business community on port operations, trade facilitation initiatives, procedures and opportunities within the maritime sector.

The ACCI DG commended the NPA for participating in the Abuja International Trade Fair, describing its Special Day as an important platform for dialogue and stakeholder engagement.

“We therefore commend the Nigerian Ports Authority for participating in this year’s Abuja International Trade Fair and for using the NPA Day to engage directly with the organised private sector,” he said.

He said ACCI was ready to deepen its engagement with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes, capacity-building initiatives and other mutually beneficial activities.

According to him, stronger collaboration would help improve trade efficiency, strengthen economic linkages and create a more conducive environment for businesses seeking improved market access and stronger supply chains.

Jideani described the Abuja International Trade Fair as an important platform for bringing together businesses, investors, government agencies, diplomatic missions, financial institutions and development partners to showcase products, establish business connections and explore new markets.

He said stronger collaboration between institutions such as the NPA and the organised private sector remained essential to improving Nigeria’s trading environment.

“As we celebrate the 21st edition under the theme ‘Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy,’ we recognise that stronger collaboration between institutions such as the NPA and the organised private sector is essential to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade,” Jideani said.

He expressed optimism that a stronger and sustained partnership between ACCI and the NPA would support businesses, facilitate trade and create new economic opportunities for the Nigerian economy.