By Steve Agbota
Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has encouraged traders and investors to use the NPA’s simplified export processes.
He spoke at the ‘NPA Special Day’ during the 36th Enugu International Trade Fair. This year’s theme is “Developing Nigeria’s industrial sector/SMEs for economic advancement and global recognition”.
Dantsoho said the NPA aims to boost the economy by improving trade balance. For this, they set up Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) to make exporting Nigerian goods easier. “We’ve put measures in place to link value creators in remote areas with demand clusters worldwide,” he explained.
He called the NPA Nigeria’s top trade platform. “We’re proud to support the Trade Fair’s goals, as trade is key to our economic dreams,” he said. Plus, he promised ongoing partnerships beyond the event. “I warmly invite you to interact with our business development team at the NPA pavilion and visit our website, www.nigerianports.gov.ng, for more details,” he added.
The EPTs, he noted, act as a one-stop shop. They handle cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification, and shipment with quick electronic call-ups to ports. This cuts out overlaps that once made Nigerian exports less competitive globally.
To connect ports with the hinterland, EPTs will link to Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs). This works with the NEPC and other partners to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) join the export chain.
“We’re simplifying processes to align with the government’s ease of doing business goals and the fair’s theme,” Dantsoho said.
He also shared plans to cut human contact, which can lead to shady deals. The NPA is automating processes via the Ports Community System (PCS). This sets the stage for the National Single Window (NSW).
“For clarity, the NSW is the global best practice for delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease by connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button,” he said.
Dantsoho praised the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA) for keeping the trade fair welcoming. “Your hospitality and business focus draw people worldwide, boosting prosperity,” he noted. He added that Enugu’s spot as the South-Eastern gateway offers big chances for export growth, a key NPA focus.
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