Nigeria’s export growth has reached 25 per cent in the last two years, driven by policy reforms introduced by the Federal Government to improve trade facilitation and port operations.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this while highlighting the impact of government policies on the country’s export performance.
He said the growth covered both oil and gas exports and non-oil commodities, including cocoa, cashew and manufactured products, reflecting efforts to diversify Nigeria’s export base.
Dantsoho attributed the increase partly to stronger collaboration between the NPA and major terminal operators, particularly APM Terminals.
He said the partnerships had improved cargo handling and created better conditions for exporters to move goods through the country’s ports.
He disclosed that about four Export Processing Terminals had been established across Nigeria to support the growth. The facilities were developed through collaboration with terminal operators, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant agencies.
According to him, the terminals allow export cargo to undergo necessary processing locally before shipment, helping to address quality and standards issues that could affect access to international markets.
He added that the reforms had positioned Nigeria to take greater advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides opportunities for increased trade among African countries.
The NPA managing director also linked the improvements to Nigeria’s performance in the latest World Bank global ports ranking, where two Nigerian ports were listed among the world’s top 20.
He further disclosed that revenue generated from ports across the country had quadrupled, alongside increased cargo volumes, attributing the performance to improved operational efficiency and international partnerships.
On infrastructure development, Dantsoho said the Federal Government was planning a $1 billion investment to expand and modernise Apapa Port to strengthen its capacity and improve cargo operations.
He explained that the project would require substantial private-sector investment, with the NPA engaging major terminal operators and international partners to support the development.
The authority was also working with technology companies from Singapore and Abu Dhabi to develop digital platforms, including a single-window system and a port community system, aimed at improving coordination and efficiency across port operations.
Dantsoho said sustained investment in infrastructure, technology and international partnerships would be necessary to maintain export growth and strengthen Nigeria’s position in regional and global trade.
Sources: Premium Times | The Punch | THISDAY
