Trade Facilitation Improves as NPA Aligns with FG’s Growth Agenda

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has intensified its efforts to enhance trade facilitation by aligning with the Federal Government’s economic growth agenda. Under the leadership of Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the NPA is implementing several initiatives aimed at modernizing port operations, reducing costs, and improving efficiency.

Key Initiatives and Achievements:

• National Single Window (NSW) Implementation: The NPA is actively supporting the Federal Government’s plan to implement the NSW system, which is expected to reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports by at least 25%. The NSW will streamline trade processes by integrating all stakeholders into a unified electronic platform, thereby enhancing transparency and efficiency.

  

   

• Port Modernization Projects: A $1 billion port rehabilitation and modernization project has been initiated to overhaul key terminals, improve navigational channels, and restore Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness. The Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex are serving as pilot projects for this initiative.
• Export Process Terminals (EPTs): To simplify export procedures, the NPA has established EPTs that serve as one-stop-shops for cargo consolidation, documentation, and shipment. These terminals aim to link producers in remote areas with global markets, thereby promoting Nigerian exports.
• Operational Efficiency Improvements: Efforts to enhance multimodal connectivity, including improvements in road, rail, and inland waterways, have led to a reduction in vessel turnaround time from an average of 7 days to 5 days, and truck turnaround time from 10 days to a few hours.

 

These initiatives are part of the NPA’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s ports into efficient, transparent, and competitive hubs that support the nation’s economic growth and integration into global trade networks.