The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at boosting Nigeria’s non-oil exports through infrastructure renewal, streamlined export processes, and full automation of port operations.
Managing Director of the Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, where he outlined ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s port system as a critical link between local producers and global markets.
Dantsoho described Enugu as a strategic commercial hub and gateway to the South-East, noting that its geographical advantage presents significant opportunities for expanding export activities, particularly in agro-allied products.
He commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for sustaining the trade fair as a vital platform for enterprise development and international trade engagement.
As part of its expansion drive, the NPA boss revealed that the Authority is investing heavily in the rehabilitation of key eastern ports, including Onne Port, Warri Port, and Calabar Port. He added that the agency is also supporting the development of new deep seaports across the region to boost cargo traffic and maritime capacity.
“In addition to our renewed investment in Eastern Ports infrastructure, we are providing technical support to promoters of deep seaports to drive sustainable vessel and cargo traffic to the Eastern corridor,” he said.
Dantsoho emphasized that trade remains a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic growth, stressing that the NPA is focused on eliminating longstanding bottlenecks that have hindered export competitiveness.
Central to this reform is the establishment of Export Process Terminals (EPTs), designed to simplify export procedures for Nigerian goods. According to him, the terminals function as one-stop hubs for cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification, and shipment.
“The EPTs eliminate duplication and bureaucratic inefficiencies that previously made Nigerian exports less competitive,” he explained.
To further enhance operational efficiency, the NPA is implementing the National Single Window (NSW) system in line with the Federal Government’s ease-of-doing-business agenda. The system is expected to automate port processes and minimize human interaction, thereby reducing corruption and delays.
Describing the NSW as a global best practice, Dantsoho said it would enable seamless coordination among all stakeholders in the trade value chain at the click of a button.
He added that the EPTs would be integrated with Domestic Export Warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council to strengthen port-hinterland connectivity and expand export opportunities nationwide.
Reaffirming the Authority’s openness to partnerships, Dantsoho urged investors and exporters to leverage NPA’s platforms to access international markets.
“Our goal is to connect value creators across Nigeria, including those in remote areas, with global demand centres efficiently and sustainably,” he said.
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