NPA Simplifies Export Processes, Invites Traders, Investors To Explore Opportunities

By Winifred Ngozi Orji 

Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - February 24, 2025: The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA said it has simplified its export processes, making it easier for traders and investors to do business. 

Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantosho

Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the Authority has established Export Process Terminals, EPTs to simplify the export process, making Nigerian goods more competitive globally.

Speaking at the Kaduna International Trade Fair, Dantsoho invited stakeholders to explore the NPA's simplified export processes and other opportunities. "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.

Dantsoho disclosed that the Authority established the EPTs to contribute to the strengthening of the domestic economy through the promotion of Balance of Trade. "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, thus eliminating the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace," he explained.

The EPTs will also be linked with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) to facilitate port-hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to play in the export value chain. "To facilitate Port-Hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to play in the export value chain, the EPTs are to be linked with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the NEPC and relevant partners," Dr. Dantsoho stated.

According to him, the EPTs were established to align with the ease of doing business orientation of the Federal Government and the theme of this year's Kaduna Trade Fair "Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation".

Furthermore, the NPA is pursuing full automation of its processes through the Ports Community System (PCS), which will implement the National Single Window (NSW). Dantsoho explained that 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.

"I have said all of these, to show that the Nigerian Ports Authority has put measures in place to link value creators in the remotest part of the hinterland with the farthest clusters of demand anywhere on the globe," Dr. Dantsoho said.

He commended the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for the resilience to sustain the culture of hospitality and business friendliness that has continued to attract people from all over the globe to be a part of the International Kaduna Trade fair for deepening economic prosperity.

Dr. Dantsoho noted that the strategic positioning of Kaduna as a melting pot of population, trade, and a major transportation hub as the gateway to the northern hinterland and by extension Nigeria's landlocked neighboring countries presents huge opportunities waiting to be harnessed. "This, according to him, is coupled with its rich agro-allied potentials which are very important to actualizing Nigerian Ports Authority's quest to connect local value producers in the non-oil value chain to identified international clusters of demand for their goods," he said.

"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 said.

The NPA's simplified export processes and automation initiatives are expected to boost Nigeria's trade competitiveness, increase revenue, and create jobs. Traders and investors are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and partner with the NPA to grow their businesses.