In line with efforts to boost the country’s foreign exchange earnings, the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, is putting measures in place to streamline non-oil export processes in order to eliminate inherent bottlenecks with a view to improve foreign exchange inflows.

 Speaking at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, held at the weekend with the theme: ‘Resilient Trade, Taxation, and the Economy’, Managing Director/CEO of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, assured stakeholders that the Authority is committed to enthroning a regime of seamless non-oil export handling in order to eliminate inherent bottlenecks to further strengthen foreign exchange earnings.

The Abuja International Trade Fair was organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry ACCI,

“The NPA under the supervision of the Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola is strengthening port infrastructure and extending maritime logistics into the hinterland to enable exporters to access global markets more efficiently”, the MD said.

The Managing Director, who addressed stakeholders during the NPA Special Day noted that trade resilience required efficient infrastructure, predictable fiscal frameworks and seamless supply chains.

He said: “Nigeria’s economic resilience could no longer depend largely on imports and oil revenues, thus expanding non-oil exports and integrating businesses across the country into global value chains remains critical to sustainable economic growth.

“The recent approval by the Federal Government for the transfer of Inland Dry Ports’ IDP management and development functions to the NPA would bring port efficiency closer to businesses operating far from the coastal ports.

“This development would particularly benefit exporters in the core northern and north-central Nigeria, including Abuja, by reducing the need to transport raw commodities to coastal ports before completing port clearance and documentation.

“By bringing IDPs under the operational purview of the NPA, exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja right here, no longer need to move raw commodities to coastal ports before undergoing port clearance and documentation.”

The NPA boss added that the authority had also introduced targeted interventions to eliminate bottlenecks confronting non-oil exporters, including the operationalisation of dedicated Export Processing Terminals.

“The terminals serve as one-stop centres where sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation can be completed before export cargo is moved to port terminals”, he further noted.

He said the interventions were already supporting the growth of non-oil exports, particularly agricultural commodities and solid minerals, while helping Nigerian producers meet international delivery schedules.

Dantsoho noted that agricultural products such as cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus, as well as solid minerals, had recorded increased export activity over the past two years.

The NPA-boss also said the streamlined export channels would enhance foreign buyers’ confidence in Nigerian products and increase foreign exchange inflows into the domestic economy.

The NPA chief executive therefore urged businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to take advantage of the emerging export infrastructure and expand their presence in international markets.

“To our prospective businessmen and entrepreneurs, now is the time to embrace export trade,” he said.

He said the integration of Inland Dry Ports with seaport operations would make exporting from different parts of Nigeria more accessible and commercially viable.

Dantsoho further assured exporters that the NPA remained committed to providing efficient port services and extending maritime logistics to different regions of the country.

He said the authority’s objective was to create a trade-enabling environment where exporters, regardless of their size or location, could access reliable logistics support and compete more effectively in global markets.

The NPA boss said a resilient Nigerian economy depended on a thriving trade ecosystem, adding that the authority would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the country’s position in international trade.

Meanwhile, Director General of the ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, who also spoke at the event, made a strong case for stronger collaboration with NPA to facilitate trade, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen the link between Nigeria’s maritime sector and the wider business community.

Jideani argued closer engagement between the NPA and the organised private sector was critical to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade.

He said the efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of the nation’s ports had direct implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators, retailers and other businesses.

“The efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports have direct implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators, retailers and numerous other businesses across our sectoral groups,” he said.

According to him, ACCI was particularly interested in strengthening the connection between businesses in the Federal Capital Territory FCT, and the wider national and international trade ecosystem.

He said the Chamber could provide a structured platform for businesses to share their practical experiences with the NPA, while the Authority could use such platforms to enlighten the business community on port operations, trade facilitation initiatives, procedures and opportunities within the maritime sector.

“We therefore commend the Nigerian Ports Authority for participating in this year’s Abuja International Trade Fair and for using the NPA Day to engage directly with the organised private sector,” Jideani said.

“We see this participation not merely as an exhibition opportunity, but as an important platform for dialogue, stakeholder engagement and partnership.”

The ACCI DG said the Chamber was ready to deepen its engagement with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes, capacity-building initiatives and other mutually beneficial engagements.

He said such collaboration would contribute to more efficient trade and stronger economic linkages.

“ACCI remains ready to work with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes, capacity-building initiatives and other mutually beneficial engagements that can contribute to more efficient trade and stronger economic linkages,” he stated.

Jideani said the partnership was particularly important as businesses continued to seek improved market access, stronger supply chains and a more conducive environment for trade and investment.

He noted that the Abuja International Trade Fair, held under the theme, “Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” provided an appropriate platform for strengthening interaction among businesses, government agencies, investors, financial institutions, diplomatic missions and development partners.

He said the AITF remained a practical expression of the Chamber’s mandate to promote trade, investment and sustainable economic development.

“The AITF is a practical expression of this mandate. It brings together businesses, investors, government agencies, diplomatic missions, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to showcase products and services, establish business connections, explore markets and discuss issues affecting the economy,” he said.

Jideani added that stronger collaboration between institutions such as the NPA and the organised private sector was essential to improving Nigeria’s trading environment.

“As we celebrate the 21st edition under the theme ‘Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy,’ we recognise that stronger collaboration between institutions such as the NPA and the organised private sector is essential to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade,” he said.

He commended the NPA for identifying with the 21st AITF, describing its participation as an opportunity to deepen understanding and promote dialogue between the maritime sector and the broader business community.

The DG said: “ACCI looks forward to building an even stronger and sustained relationship with the NPA that would support businesses, facilitate trade and create new economic opportunities.

“We look forward to building an even stronger and more sustained partnership that will support businesses, facilitate trade, create opportunities, and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy.”