• As Nigeria seaports contribute 19.6% growth in non-oil exports H1, 2025

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, has said the authority is working to build a globally competitive port system that will enhance trade facilitation, attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and boost investor confidence.

Dantsoho disclosed this yesterday while delivering a paper titled, “Optimising Nigeria’s Port Infrastructure, Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Global Competitiveness,” at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

He disclosed to the global audience that the authority would launch the Port Community System (PCS) by the first quarter of 2026.

He stated that the nation’s seaports have efficiently contributed to a 19.6 per cent growth in non-oil exports in the first half of 2025.

“We are optimising cargo processes by introducing e-Tag verification, joint boarding apps, electronic send systems, and others to reduce cargo dwell time and turnaround time in our ports. Our digital platforms allow for paperless transactions, which minimise waste,” he stated.

He said NPA is currently working on automating barge, truck, and railway applications.

Speaking on reducing emissions, the NPA helmsman said the authority is spearheading the shore-to-ship emission reduction, starting with the Lekki Port.

He said the authority is improving intermodal connectivity to reduce reliance on road transport and lower emissions, while currently working on automating its barge, truck, and railway applications.

Dantsoho also revealed that the authority is spearheading the shore-to-ship emission reduction, starting with the Lekki Port.

According to him, “NPA is spearheading the collaborative one-stop shop (OSS) for hedged oil export/local crude payment to enhance seamless approvals and revenue generation for the government,” he added.

He stated further that the authority is dedicated to modernising the nation’s seaport infrastructure and streamlining their services.

“This multi-purpose port in the Lekki Free Zone is a key collaboration between the NPA and other partners. The port’s capability to handle super post-Panamax vessels is essential for achieving economies of scale and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian exports.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority is dedicated to modernising our port infrastructure and streamlining our services. We look forward to continued collaboration to achieve these goals,” he stated.