NPA Targets Export Growth with Ports Automation, Infrastructure Renewal

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has unveiled a strategy to boost non-oil exports, with focus on infrastructure renewal, streamlined export processes and full automation of port operations.

Managing Director of NPA, Mr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this in a statement by the agency’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Mr Ikechukwu Onyemekara, on Monday in Lagos.

Dantsoho was quoted to have said at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair that the authority was repositioning the port system to link local producers, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to global markets.

He described Enugu as a strategic gateway to the South-east, with strong potential to drive export growth, especially in agro-allied products.

“The positioning of Enugu as a gateway to the South-eastern hinterland presents significant opportunities to expand exports,” he said.

He commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for sustaining the trade fair as a platform for enterprise development and trade promotion.

Dantsoho said the NPA is investing in the rehabilitation of key eastern ports, including Onne, Warri and Calabar, while supporting the development of new deep seaports in the region.

“We are also providing technical support to promoters of deep seaports to drive vessel and cargo traffic to the Eastern corridor on a sustainable basis,” he said.

He identified trade as a key driver of economic growth, noting that the authority was removing bottlenecks that hinder export competitiveness.

According to him, a central reform initiative is the establishment of Export Process Terminals (EPTs) to simplify export procedures.

“The EPTs serve as one-stop shops for cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification and shipment, reducing delays and inefficiencies in the export chain,” he said.

Dantsoho added that the terminals would be linked to Domestic Export Warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to strengthen port-hinterland connectivity.

On automation, he said the NPA was implementing the National Single Window (NSW) system to enhance efficiency and transparency.

“The NSW enables seamless interaction among stakeholders and reduces human interface, which helps curb inefficiencies,” he said.

He reiterated the authority’s commitment to partnerships with investors and exporters, urging stakeholders to leverage NPA platforms to expand export opportunities. (NAN).