NPA outlines port and inland-dry-port reforms to expand exports

The Nigerian Ports Authority says it is preparing measures to reduce obstacles facing Nigeria’s non-oil exporters and expand channels for cargo processing, with the aim of increasing foreign-exchange inflows. NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho announced the plans at the authority’s special day at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, according to a statement issued on Sunday. He said stronger infrastructure and more efficient logistics were needed to connect Nigerian businesses with global markets.

Dantsoho said the Federal Government’s approval to transfer management and development functions for inland dry ports to the NPA would bring port services closer to exporters away from the coast. Businesses in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, would no longer need to move raw commodities to coastal ports before completing clearance and documentation, he said. The authority has also operationalised dedicated export-processing terminals.

Dantsoho described them as one-stop centres where sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation can be completed before cargo is transported to port terminals. He said the measures were supporting exports of agricultural goods and solid minerals, identifying cocoa, sesame, cashew and hibiscus among commodities that had recorded increased export activity over the past two years. The NPA believes streamlined routes can improve delivery schedules and buyers’ confidence in Nigerian products.

Dantsoho urged businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to use the emerging infrastructure to expand abroad. He said the NPA’s objective was to provide reliable logistics regardless of an exporter’s size or location. Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry official Agabaidu Jideani welcomed the NPA’s participation in the trade fair and said it could deepen dialogue between maritime operators and businesses.