The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced plans to enhance the nation’s export capacity and foster economic growth by linking the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs). This move aims to create efficient pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) and improve Port-Hinterland connectivity, significantly boosting the domestic economy.
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the Managing Director of NPA, revealed these plans during his address at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair, themed ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,’ held in Lagos. According to Dantsoho, the integration of the EPTs with DEWs will be executed in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other key stakeholders.
He further emphasized that the NPA is working aggressively to automate Nigeria’s port processes and procedures through the Ports Community System (PCS), which is a foundational component for implementing the National Single Window (NSW). The NSW, he noted, is a global strategy designed to streamline interactions among trade stakeholders, facilitating seamless operations at the touch of a button.
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“The EPTs were conceptualized with the NEPC to simplify the export process, which had previously been burdened by bureaucratic delays and inefficiencies. By eliminating these obstacles, Nigerian exports can become more competitive internationally,” said Dantsoho.
He also underscored the authority’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment aligned with the Federal Government’s ease of doing business agenda. The NPA’s continued efforts to modernize and improve port operations are aimed at enhancing the country’s trade competitiveness and supporting economic diversification.
Dantsoho concluded by inviting businesses and stakeholders to explore partnership opportunities with the NPA, urging them to interact with the authority’s business development team at the NPA stand during the fair and engage with their online platform at www.nigerianports.gov.ng for real-time updates on their growth initiatives.
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