The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has emphasised that Abuja’s central location and strong agro-allied potential are key to advancing the Authority’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s drive to expand non-oil revenue.
Speaking during the “NPA Special Day” at the Abuja International Trade Fair, Dantsoho noted that Abuja’s position at the heart of the country strengthens port-hinterland connectivity. He explained that this centrality creates seamless links with the comparative advantages of all regions, which can be harnessed to increase both the volume and value of Nigeria’s exports.
“As Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform, the NPA is always proud to associate with the noble objectives of the Abuja International Trade Fair. Trade remains one of the most effective tools for achieving our nation’s economic aspirations,” he said.
Dantsoho invited investors and traders to take advantage of the Authority’s streamlined export processes, highlighting the establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs). These facilities, he explained, were designed as one-stop centres for cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification and onward shipment, thereby eliminating delays and bureaucratic overlaps that previously weakened Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets.
To further strengthen connectivity and create opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), he noted that the EPTs are closely integrated with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and Inland Dry Ports.
In line with the Federal Government’s economic stabilisation agenda and the trade fair’s theme, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation,” the NPA is consolidating its operational processes under the new Ports Community System (PCS). This platform, Dr Dantsoho explained, will form the foundation for the National Single Window (NSW), a global best practice that streamlines trade by linking all stakeholders in the export value chain for seamless, technology-driven interactions.
“The NSW eliminates opacity and delays caused by unnecessary human interference. With it, we can connect value creators in the most remote hinterlands to demand clusters across the world at the push of a button,” he stated.
Dantsoho assured stakeholders that the NPA remains open to partnerships beyond the trade fair and encouraged them to explore opportunities through its interactive real-time website.
