BY GODWIN OBI
In a call to action, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has urged exporters and investors to tap into the full potential of the Authority’s specialized platforms, particularly the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), to revolutionize international trade and overcome the complex hurdles traditionally associated with exporting Nigerian goods.
Dantsoho delivered this impassioned message during the NPA’s ‘Special Day’ at the bustling Kaduna International Trade Fair, where he spotlighted the Authority’s innovative solutions designed to streamline exports and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness on the global stage.
Speaking with enthusiasm, Dantsoho reassured attendees that NPA remains ever ready to collaborate with partners, both within the scope of the trade fair and beyond. “The doors of the NPA are always open to new partnerships and ideas,” he said, inviting visitors to engage with their business development team at the NPA pavilion and explore real-time opportunities on the NPA’s interactive online portal.
In an effort to bolster Nigeria’s domestic economy and balance international trade, Dantsoho outlined the creation of the EPTs as a game-changer for the country’s export landscape. These terminals were specifically designed to ease the burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods, he explained, turning what was once a maze of paperwork and delays into a seamless, efficient experience.
“The EPTs were conceptualized as a one-stop solution for everything from cargo consolidation, packaging, and documentation, to certification and swift shipment via electronic call-up systems,” Dantsoho said. “This eliminates the bureaucratic red tape that once made Nigerian exports uncompetitive on the world stage.”
The EPTs, he emphasized, not only simplify the export process but also support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by linking them with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs), in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other key partners.
Aligning with the Federal Government’s goal of improving the ease of doing business, Dantsoho highlighted how the NPA’s efforts directly tie into the theme of the Kaduna Trade Fair: “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation.” This marks a clear commitment to digitizing and automating trade processes, making it easier for businesses to thrive and compete globally.
Taking the conversation further, the NPA MD shared the Authority’s ambitious plan to fully automate its operations via the Ports Community System (PCS), a critical step toward implementing the National Single Window (NSW). This cutting-edge system promises to connect all stakeholders in the trade value chain, ensuring smooth, hassle-free interactions at the touch of a button—representing a major leap toward global best practices in trade facilitation.
Dantsoho was keen to emphasize that these innovations are not just about improving efficiency—they’re about connecting value creators in even the most remote areas of the country to global demand. “These systems ensure that the Nigerian Ports Authority has made it easier than ever for local producers, even in Nigeria’s hinterlands, to connect with international markets,” he stated, highlighting the broad reach of NPA’s solutions.
He also took a moment to praise the resilience of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for its dedication to nurturing a business-friendly environment that continues to draw participants from across the globe to the International Kaduna Trade Fair. Dantsoho noted that the fair serves as a vital platform for accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth and fostering international relationships.
The strategic position of Kaduna, he remarked, is another asset: as a bustling transportation hub connecting the northern regions of Nigeria and landlocked neighboring countries, it presents enormous trade opportunities. Coupled with the state’s rich agricultural resources, the potential for export growth is immense—particularly in the non-oil sectors, where the NPA is focused on creating pathways for local producers to tap into global demand.
Dantsoho concluded by reaffirming NPA’s commitment to being at the heart of Nigeria’s economic transformation, emphasizing that trade remains one of the most powerful drivers of prosperity. “As Nigeria’s premier trade facilitation platform, we are honored to be part of this dynamic process,” he said, reinforcing the Authority’s pivotal role in shaping the country’s future.
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