Nigerian Ports Authority reveals major overhaul of East Coast facilities

The Nigerian Ports Authority has introduced a one-stop export system at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, as part of its efforts to enhance Nigeria's non-oil exports, with a focus on infrastructure development, streamlined export procedures, and full automation of port operations, according to Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho.

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Speaking at the trade fair, Dantsoho highlighted the strategic importance of Enugu as a gateway to the South-Eastern region, presenting significant opportunities for export growth, which is a key priority for the Nigerian Ports Authority.

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The NPA is investing in the rehabilitation of key eastern ports, including Onne, Warri, and Calabar, as well as supporting the development of new deep-seaports across the region, to drive cargo traffic and improve capacity, Dantsoho explained.

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As part of its reform agenda, the NPA is establishing Export Process Terminals, designed to simplify and streamline export procedures, serving as one-stop shops for cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification, and shipment.

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These terminals aim to eliminate duplications and bureaucratic inefficiencies that previously hindered Nigerian exports, and will be complemented by the National Single Window system, which enables seamless interaction among stakeholders in the trade value chain.

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The National Single Window system is a globally recognized platform that allows for efficient interaction among all stakeholders, and is part of the Federal Government's ease-of-doing-business agenda, Dantsoho noted.

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The NPA will also link the Export Process Terminals with Domestic Export Warehouses, in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other partners, to improve port-hinterland connectivity and open up export opportunities for businesses nationwide.

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Dantsoho emphasized that the NPA is committed to partnerships, having put measures in place to link value creators in remote areas with demand clusters worldwide, and urged investors and exporters to leverage the NPA's platforms and services.