NPA to link export processing terminals with domestic warehouses to improve trade

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced plans to link export processing terminals (EPTs) with domestic export warehouses (DEWs) to improve port-hinterland connectivity.

Speaking on Saturday at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair themed, ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’, Abubakar Dantsoho, managing director of NPA, said the EPTs are to be linked with the domestic warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other relevant partners.

He added that the authority is actively working towards full automation of the country’s processes and procedures through the ports community system (PCS), which sets the foundation for the implementation of the national single window (NSW).

“As some us are aware in our bid to contribute to the strengthening of the domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade we established the Export Process Terminal (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods,” Dantsoho said in a statement.

“The EPTs were conceptualized in partnership with the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) to serve as a one-stop-shop for the stuffing, packaging and certification of export-bound cargo in quick turnaround time by eliminating the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace.

“To facilitate Port-Hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to play in the value chain, the EPTs are to be linked with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the NEPC and relevant partners.

“To align with the ease of doing business orientation of the Federal Government, we are aggressively pursuing the full automation of our processes and procedures through the Ports Community System (PCS) which lays the groundwork for the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW).

“The NSW is the global stratagem for delivering the greatest value with the greatest ease by connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain for seamless interaction at the push of a button.”

The NPA boss said the theme of the 2024 trade fair aligns with the authority’s corporate goals.

“I have said all of these, to show that the theme of the year’s fair “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” is very much in tandem with our corporate aspirations as a business-enabling agency of government,” he said.

“Before I take my seat, let me assure everyone stakeholder that our doors are always open for partnerships even beyond this trade fair.

“I therefore want to warmly invite you to interact with our business development team at the NPA stand.”