The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced strategic plans to enhance Nigeria’s export capacity and foster economic growth by linking Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs). This integration aims to streamline export processes, providing a direct boost to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and improving port-to-hinterland connectivity to strengthen the domestic economy.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of NPA, shared these initiatives at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair under the theme, Connecting Businesses, Creating Value. He emphasized that the EPT-DEW linkage will be achieved in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and key stakeholders.
Dantsoho highlighted ongoing efforts to automate Nigeria’s port procedures via the Ports Community System (PCS), an essential step toward implementing a National Single Window (NSW) system. “The EPTs were designed alongside the NEPC to ease the export process, which has been hampered by bureaucratic delays. By removing these barriers, Nigerian exports can become globally competitive,” he explained.
The NPA’s modernization of port operations aligns with the Federal Government’s ease of doing business goals, furthering Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and supporting economic diversification.
Dantsoho concluded by inviting businesses to explore partnership opportunities with the NPA, encouraging them to connect with the NPA’s business development team at the trade fair and through the NPA’s digital platform at www.nigerianports.gov.ng for updates on growth initiatives.
