Exporters lament high charges at processing terminals

The Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP) has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to adjust certain charges levied at the export processing terminals (EPTs) to ensure the competitiveness of Nigerian products at the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

Speaking at the association’s end-of-year summit held in Lagos, the President of AWAEMAP, Olubunmi Olumekun, argued that some costs were not tied to any tangible services at the terminal despite its value to export businesses.

He said as Nigeria seeks to maximise the benefits of AfCFTA and strengthen its export portfolio, NPA must reassess the pricing structure of the processing terminals to make them more sustainable and cost-effective.

“We are partners in progress with NPA, and the export processing terminals are a welcome idea because they add value to our business. However, some charges are not attached to services, and the pricing must be reduced, especially as Nigeria competes with other African countries. For this policy to be sustainable, the costs must be re-evaluated,” Olumekun said.

Olumekun underscored the importance of non-oil exports in driving the country’s economy, urging for greater focus on boosting foreign exchange.

The AWAEMAP president also highlighted the immense opportunities offered by the AfCFTA, noting its potential to transform the nation’s economy.

Responding to the concerns, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, acknowledged that Nigerian exporters had suffered significant losses in the past due to weak regulatory institutions.

However, he noted that there has been substantial improvement in recent years.
Dantsoho, represented by the General Manager of Marine and Operations, Dr. Charles Okaga, highlighted that the introduction of the Export Processing Terminals and transit parks has alleviated many of the logistical challenges that previously hindered exports at seaports.

He assured exporters that the NPA remains committed to enhancing export processes and making them more seamless.

In addition, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Lilypond Command, Ajibola Odusanya, addressed the stakeholders, emphasising that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) prioritises the growth of exports.

He pledged that the agency would continue to support and promote non-oil export trade in the country.