The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intensified efforts to dismantle bottlenecks confronting non-oil exporters, with a renewed push to expand export channels, streamline cargo processing and strengthen foreign exchange inflows into the economy.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this at the NPA Special Day during the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

Dantsoho said the authority was strengthening port infrastructure and extending maritime logistics into the hinterland to enable businesses across the country access international markets more efficiently.

He said Nigeria could no longer depend largely on oil revenues and imports for economic growth, stressing that expanding non-oil exports and integrating local businesses into global value chains were critical to building a resilient economy.

According to him, the recent Federal Government approval transferring Inland Dry Port (IDP) management and development functions to the NPA would bring port services closer to businesses operating far from coastal ports.

He said the development would particularly benefit exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, by reducing the need to transport raw commodities to coastal ports before completing port clearance and documentation.

“By bringing Inland Dry Ports under the operational purview of the NPA, exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including right here in Abuja, no longer need to move raw commodities to coastal ports before undergoing port clearance and documentation,” Dantsoho said.

The NPA boss also disclosed that the authority had introduced targeted measures to address bottlenecks confronting non-oil exporters, including the operationalisation of dedicated Export Processing Terminals.

He explained that the terminals provide one-stop facilities where sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation could be completed before export cargoes are moved to port terminals.

Dantsoho said the interventions were supporting increased export activity in agricultural commodities and solid minerals, noting that products such as cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus had recorded increased activity over the past two years.

He said more efficient export channels would improve the confidence of foreign buyers in Nigerian products and, in turn, increase foreign exchange earnings.

He urged businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to take advantage of the emerging export infrastructure and expand their presence in international markets.

“To our prospective businessmen and entrepreneurs, now is the time to embrace export trade,” he said.

Dantsoho assured exporters that the NPA would continue to improve port services and extend maritime logistics to different parts of the country, with the objective of creating a trade-enabling environment in which businesses, irrespective of their size or location, could compete effectively in global markets.

He said a resilient economy depended on a thriving trade ecosystem, adding that the NPA would continue to support initiatives designed to strengthen Nigeria’s position in international trade.

Also speaking, the Director-General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, called for stronger collaboration between the Chamber and the NPA to facilitate trade, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen the connection between Nigeria’s maritime sector and the wider business community.

Jideani said closer engagement between the NPA and organised private sector was essential to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade.

“The efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports have direct implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators, retailers and numerous other businesses across our sectoral groups,” he said.

He said ACCI was particularly interested in strengthening the connection between businesses in the Federal Capital Territory and the wider national and international trade ecosystem.

According to him, the Chamber could provide a platform for businesses to share practical experiences with the NPA, while the authority could use such engagements to educate the business community on port operations, trade facilitation initiatives, procedures and opportunities within the maritime sector.

Jideani said ACCI was ready to deepen its engagement with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes and capacity-building initiatives.

He said stronger collaboration between institutions such as the NPA and organised private sector would contribute to more efficient trade, stronger supply chains and greater economic linkages.

The ACCI DG described the Abuja International Trade Fair, held under the theme, “Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” as an important platform for businesses, government agencies, investors, financial institutions, diplomatic missions and development partners to showcase products, explore markets and address challenges affecting the economy.
He said ACCI looked forward to building a stronger and sustained partnership with the NPA to support businesses, facilitate trade and create new economic opportunities for nigerians and.the country.‎