The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced plans to strengthen national port connectivity and support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by linking Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs).
NPA Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, revealed the initiative at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair during a presentation titled “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value.”
Dr. Dantsoho explained that the EPT-DEW linkage, undertaken in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other stakeholders, aims to streamline export processes, making it easier for Nigerian goods to compete internationally.
The EPTs, established as a one-stop solution for packaging, certification, and swift processing of export-bound cargo, are designed to eliminate redundant procedures that previously hindered Nigerian exports’ competitiveness. The integration with DEWs will further enhance port-to-hinterland connectivity, creating additional trade pathways for SMEs to participate in the export value chain.
To improve efficiency, the NPA is also advancing the full automation of port operations through the Ports Community System (PCS), which serves as a precursor to the National Single Window (NSW). This digital framework will enable seamless trade interactions, aligning with the federal government’s ease of doing business initiative.
According to Dantsoho, “The NSW is a global strategy to deliver maximum trade value and convenience by unifying all stakeholders for streamlined transactions at the push of a button.”
He affirmed that the 2024 trade fair theme, “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value,” closely aligns with the NPA’s mission to foster a business-friendly environment across the national trade landscape.
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