The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is intensifying measures to remove obstacles affecting non-oil exports, expand access to global markets and increase foreign exchange earnings. Its Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, made the commitment at the NPA Special Day during the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, organized by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
Dantsoho said the Authority is upgrading port infrastructure and taking maritime logistics closer to businesses in the hinterland. He noted that the Federal Government’s approval for the NPA to oversee the management and development of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) would allow exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, to complete clearance and documentation without first moving raw goods to coastal ports.
He also highlighted the operation of dedicated Export Processing Terminals, which function as one-stop facilities for sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation before cargo reaches the seaports. According to him, these measures are boosting exports of agricultural commodities and solid minerals, including cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus, while helping Nigerian producers meet international delivery timelines.
Dantsoho said improved export channels would strengthen foreign buyers’ confidence in Nigerian products, raise foreign exchange inflows and make export trade more accessible and commercially viable across the country. He urged businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to seize the opportunities created by the emerging export infrastructure.
Also speaking at the event, ACCI Director-General, Agabaidu Jideani, called for deeper cooperation between the NPA and the organized private sector to ease doing business, strengthen supply chains and improve Nigeria’s participation in local, regional and international trade. He said the efficiency and competitiveness of Nigerian ports directly affect importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics firms, retailers and other businesses.
Jideani said the Chamber was ready to work with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitization campaigns and capacity-building programs. He described the NPA’s participation in the trade fair as a valuable platform for dialogue and partnership, adding that closer collaboration would support businesses, unlocks investment opportunities and enhances the competitiveness of the Nigerian economy.
