Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho.

Nigeria has recorded a 25 per cent growth in her non-oil exports over the past two years, primarily attributable to the various reforms introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, under the supervision of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Gboyega Oyetola.

Recall that the NPA had in its bid to contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade, established the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process of exporting the country’s non-oil goods.

This facilitated the seaport-hinterland connectivity and created pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to play in the export value chain; as the EPTs were structured to have a seamless operation with the Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs), which are being handled in synergy with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council NEPC, as well as the Inland Dry Ports (IDPs).

Speaking at a recent event in London, Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, highlighted Nigeria’s non-oil export performance under the current administration, which has boosted the country’s balance of trade.

“This improvement in non-oil export volumes is also driven by changes in government policies introduced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, he further highlighted

Dr. Dantsoho explained that the increase was not limited to a particular industry, as several sectors had recorded improved export activities within the period.

He further linked the development to ongoing improvements in port operations, saying recent initiatives had contributed to higher cargo handling volumes.

“Statistically, the exports from Nigeria in the last two years have increased by 25 per cent,” he stated.

Dantsoho further revealed that the Authority in addition to the EPTs and the DEWs, had established about four collaborative arrangements involving terminal operators, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant government agencies, including the NEPC to improve port efficiency.

He explained that the partnerships were designed to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and facilitate smoother cargo processing.

The NPA Chief further disclosed that the Authority had introduced a simplified single window system as part of efforts to improve operational processes at the nation’s seaports under the Port Community System PCS, which facilitated the introduction of the National Single Window NSW, platform, which connects all the seaport operators.