NPA ramps up exports, to revive eastern ports

…Harps on automation

The chas intensified efforts to grow Nigeria’s non-oil exports, rolling out a reform package focused on infrastructure upgrades, streamlined export processes and digital transformation.

Speaking at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, said the agency is repositioning ports to serve as launchpads for local producers, particularly SMEs, into global markets.

He identified Enugu as a critical gateway to the South-East, with strong potential to drive export expansion, especially in agro-based products.

“The strategic positioning of Enugu presents huge opportunities for the expansion of export opportunities,” he said.

Dantsoho revealed that the NPA is rehabilitating eastern ports, Onne, Warri and Calabar, while backing new deep seaport projects to increase cargo traffic and balance trade flows.

“In addition to our renewed investment, we are providing bespoke technical guidance to drive vessel and cargo traffic to the Eastern flank,” he noted.

A key pillar of the strategy is the Export Process Terminals (EPTs), introduced to dismantle red tape and fast-track export procedures.

“As some of us are aware, we established the Export Process Terminals (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process,” he said.

He explained that the EPTs operate as one-stop hubs, covering cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification and shipment, cutting delays and duplication.

“The EPTs were conceptualised to serve as a one-stop shop, eliminating bureaucratic overlaps,” he added.

To further enhance efficiency, the NPA is deploying the National Single Window (NSW), a digital system designed to integrate all trade stakeholders and reduce human interference.

“We are eliminating human interface through the implementation of the National Single Window,” Dantsoho said.

He added that the EPTs will be linked with Domestic Export Warehouses in collaboration with relevant agencies to deepen hinterland access and expand export opportunities.

To further enhance efficiency and align with the Federal Government’s ease-of-doing-business agenda, the NPA is pursuing full automation of its processes through the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system.

“To achieve this, we are eliminating human interface, which encourages underhand dealings by pursuing the full automation of our processes, with the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW),” he said.

He described the NSW as a globally recognised system that enables seamless interaction among all stakeholders in the trade value chain.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the NSW is the global best practice connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button.”

Dantsoho added that the EPTs would be linked with Domestic Export Warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other partners to strengthen port-hinterland connectivity and open up export opportunities for businesses across the country.

He assured stakeholders of the authority’s readiness to partner with investors and exporters, urging them to take advantage of NPA’s platforms and services.

“Our doors are always open for partnerships. We have 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,” he said.