NPA MD courts investors with simplified Export Pathways at Kaduna Trade Fair

Juliet Akoje In Abuja.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho, has called on traders, exporters, and investors to take advantage of newly streamlined export routes designed to reposition Nigeria as a more competitive player in global commerce.

Speaking at the NPA Special Day during the 2026 Kaduna trade fair in Kaduna, Dantsoho explained that the Authority has introduced customized procedures intended to eliminate the long-standing bureaucratic obstacles that once discouraged stakeholders from engaging in export activities.

He used the occasion to formally invite the trading and investment community to explore the newly simplified export systems and the broader opportunities now available through the Nigerian Ports Authority.

He noted that the reforms are structured to strengthen non-oil exports, improve the country’s trade balance, and connect inland producers more effectively to international supply chains.

A central component of the initiative, he said, is the creation of Export Process Terminals (EPTs), which function as one-stop centres where cargo can be consolidated, stuffed, packaged, documented, certified, and electronically scheduled for shipment.

Dantsoho explained that the EPT concept was developed to remove the complexity that previously defined the export process, stressing that exporters can now handle documentation, packaging, and shipment coordination more smoothly and efficiently.

He added that the terminals are digitally linked to port operations through the call-up system, a move aimed at speeding up cargo evacuation, reducing congestion, and improving vessel turnaround time.

To further strengthen connections between ports and inland production zones, the NPA is collaborating with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other partners to integrate the EPTs with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs), thereby establishing structured channels that will enable Small and Medium Enterprises to participate more actively in international trade.

According to him, the Authority’s objective is to connect producers even in the most remote inland communities with demand centres across the world.

Dantsoho stressed that trade remains the most practical tool for achieving the country’s economic ambitions, especially as efforts intensify to reduce reliance on oil revenue.

He also pointed to ongoing work to fully automate port operations through the National Single Window system, describing it as an internationally recognized best practice for simplifying trade procedures.

He said the system would maximize efficiency and convenience by allowing stakeholders to complete transactions digitally with minimal delay.

The initiative, he noted, is in line with the Federal Government’s renewed focus on boosting exports and promoting local content development.

Highlighting Kaduna’s importance, Dantsoho described the city as a strategic commercial centre whose location as a gateway to the northern hinterland and neighbouring landlocked nations makes it central to Nigeria’s export growth plans.

He added that Kaduna’s role as a hub for population, commerce, and transport creates strong opportunities to connect local producers with international markets.

Reiterating the Authority’s willingness to work with stakeholders, the NPA Managing Director assured participants that collaboration would continue beyond the trade fair.

He however emphasized that the Authority remains open to partnerships aimed at strengthening the domestic economy through improved trade facilitation.