The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intensified efforts to remove obstacles facing Nigeria’s non-oil exports, with a renewed push to widen export channels, speed up cargo processing and increase foreign exchange inflows into the economy.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, announced this at the NPA Special Day of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). The fair was held under the theme “Resilient Trade, Taxation, and the Economy.”
Dantsoho said the authority was strengthening port infrastructure and extending maritime logistics into the hinterland so that exporters can reach global markets more efficiently. He said trade resilience depends on efficient infrastructure, predictable fiscal frameworks and seamless supply chains.
He argued that Nigeria’s economic resilience can no longer rest largely on imports and oil revenues. Expanding non-oil exports and linking businesses across the country to global value chains, he said, remain critical to sustainable economic growth.
Dantsoho said the Federal Government’s recent approval to transfer the management and development of Inland Dry Ports (IDP) to the NPA would bring port efficiency closer to businesses operating far from the coast.
He explained that exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, would benefit most because they would no longer need to move raw commodities to coastal ports before completing clearance and documentation.
“By bringing Inland Dry Ports under the operational purview of the NPA, exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including right here in Abuja, no longer need to move raw commodities to coastal ports before undergoing port clearance and documentation,” he said.
He added that linking the Inland Dry Ports with seaport operations would make exporting from different parts of the country more accessible and commercially viable.
The NPA chief said the authority had introduced targeted measures to eliminate bottlenecks confronting non-oil exporters, including the operationalisation of dedicated Export Processing Terminals.
According to him, 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 said the measures were already supporting growth in non-oil exports, particularly agricultural commodities and solid minerals, while helping Nigerian producers meet international delivery schedules. Cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, hibiscus and solid minerals have all recorded increased export activity over the past two years, he noted.
Dantsoho said the streamlined channels would boost foreign buyers’ confidence in Nigerian products and raise foreign exchange inflows into the domestic economy.
He 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 assured exporters that the NPA remained committed to efficient port services and to extending maritime logistics to different regions.
The authority’s aim, he said, is to create a trade enabling environment where exporters, regardless of size or location, can access reliable logistics support and compete effectively worldwide.
A resilient economy, he added, depends on a thriving trade ecosystem, and the NPA will keep supporting initiatives that strengthen Nigeria’s position in international trade.
Also speaking, the Director General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, called for closer collaboration with the NPA to facilitate trade, unlock investment opportunities and strengthen the link between the maritime sector and the wider business community.
Jideani said 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 noted that the efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of the ports directly affect importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators, retailers and many other businesses.
According to him, ACCI is particularly keen to strengthen the connection between businesses in the Federal Capital Territory and the wider national and international trade ecosystem.
He said the Chamber could provide a structured platform for businesses to share practical experiences with the NPA, while the authority could use such platforms to inform the business community about port operations, trade facilitation initiatives, procedures and opportunities in the maritime sector.
He commended the NPA for taking part in the trade fair and using its special day to engage the organised private sector directly, describing the participation as more than an exhibition opportunity and as an important platform for dialogue, stakeholder engagement and partnership.
Jideani said ACCI was ready to deepen its engagement with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes and capacity building initiatives.
Such collaboration, he said, would lead to more efficient trade and stronger economic linkages, particularly as businesses continue to seek improved market access, stronger supply chains and a more conducive environment for trade and investment.
He described the Abuja International Trade Fair as a practical expression of the Chamber’s mandate to promote trade, investment and sustainable economic development.
The fair, he said, brings together businesses, investors, government agencies, diplomatic missions, financial institutions and development partners to showcase products and services, make business connections, explore markets and discuss issues affecting the economy.
Jideani added that stronger collaboration between institutions such as the NPA and the organised private sector is essential to improving Nigeria’s trading environment.
He said ACCI looks forward to a stronger and more sustained partnership that will support businesses, facilitate trade, create opportunities and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy.
