In a bold move to enhance Nigeria’s economic growth, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has announced a significant overhaul of export processes aimed at streamlining operations and strengthening the nation’s trade capabilities. Speaking at the “Special Day” of the NPA during the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair on Monday, February 24, 2025, Dr. Dantsoho emphasized that these simplified procedures are designed to bolster the domestic economy by promoting a healthier balance of trade and unlocking new opportunities for traders and investors.
Dr. Dantsoho highlighted the establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) as a cornerstone of this initiative. These terminals, developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), serve as one-stop shops for exporters, consolidating cargo handling, stuffing, documentation, packaging, and certification processes. By integrating these functions into a single, efficient system, the NPA aims to eliminate the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically hampered Nigerian exports, rendering them less competitive on the global stage. “The EPTs are tailored to simplify what was once a burdensome process, ensuring quick turnaround times and enhanced international competitiveness,” he stated.
The NPA’s efforts extend beyond the terminals themselves. Dr. Dantsoho revealed plans to link these EPTs with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) across the country, fostering greater connectivity between Nigeria’s hinterlands and its ports. This synergy, supported by partnerships with the NEPC and other stakeholders, is expected to empower small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with easier access to the export value chain. “We are putting measures in place to connect value creators in the remotest parts of Nigeria with demand clusters worldwide,” he explained, underscoring the initiative’s potential to drive inclusive economic growth.
A key component of this transformation is the NPA’s push toward full automation. Dr. Dantsoho disclosed that the authority is aggressively implementing the Ports Community System (PCS), a digital framework that will pave the way for the National Single Window (NSW). Described as a global best practice, the NSW will enable seamless interaction among all stakeholders in the trade ecosystem at the push of a button, minimizing delays and reducing costs. “This is about delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease,” he noted, aligning the NPA’s strategy with the federal government’s ease-of-doing-business agenda.
The timing of these reforms is critical, as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. Recent data from the Nigerian Export Promotion Council indicates that non-oil exports reached $2.593 billion in the first half of 2022, a 62.37% increase from the previous year. With the EPTs now operational and further enhancements underway, experts predict a significant uptick in export volumes, particularly in agro-allied products, which could generate an estimated $250 billion in annual revenue. This boost in foreign exchange earnings is poised to strengthen Nigeria’s economic resilience amid global uncertainties.
Dr. Dantsoho also called on traders and investors to take advantage of these simplified processes, inviting them to engage with the NPA’s business development team at the Kaduna Trade Fair and explore opportunities via the authority’s interactive website. “Our doors are always open for partnerships,” he assured stakeholders, emphasizing the NPA’s commitment to collaboration beyond the event.
The Kaduna International Trade Fair, themed “Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation,” provided an apt backdrop for Dr. Dantsoho’s announcement. He praised the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for fostering a business-friendly environment that complements the NPA’s objectives. Kaduna’s strategic position as a trade and transportation hub, coupled with its rich agricultural potential, positions it as a key beneficiary of these reforms.
As Nigeria navigates economic challenges, including a negative trade balance reported in Q3 2022 by the National Bureau of Statistics, the NPA’s initiatives signal a proactive approach to reversing these trends. By streamlining export processes, reducing logistical hurdles, and embracing digital innovation, Dr. Dantsoho’s leadership at the NPA is setting the stage for a more competitive and prosperous Nigerian economy. The success of these measures, however, will depend on sustained collaboration between government agencies, private sector players, and the broader trading community—a challenge the NPA appears ready to meet head-on.
