Nigeria's export earnings and volumes have increased by 25% over the past two years, reflecting the impact of government reforms and improved cooperation between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and port terminal operators. This growth covers both oil and non-oil exports, with agricultural commodities and manufactured products recording improved volumes. The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, made this disclosure at the Annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
According to Dantsoho, the increase in exports of commodities such as cocoa and cashew was largely attributable to improved collaboration between the NPA and major terminal operators, particularly APM Terminals. The establishment of Export Processing Terminals has helped streamline export procedures by ensuring that cargo processing is completed locally before shipment. This initiative has strengthened the country's export capacity and contributed to the recorded growth.
Dantsoho noted that the Federal Government's economic reforms have enhanced investor confidence and attracted investment into the economy, leading to improvements in port operations. The policies have also translated into improved operational efficiency and increased revenue generation across the nation's ports. The NPA chief maintained that Nigeria is better positioned to benefit from expanding trade opportunities across the continent under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The growth in exports has been driven by improved collaboration between the NPA and major terminal operators. The NPA has established Export Processing Terminals, which have helped to streamline export procedures. These terminals have been set up in collaboration with terminal operators, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other agencies with a stake in the process. This has ensured that everything regarding the processing of cargo for export is done locally.
Dantsoho also disclosed that the Federal Government is committing $1bn to the expansion and modernisation of Apapa Port. Partnerships with private-sector operators are supporting the development of port infrastructure and the deployment of technology to improve efficiency. The NPA managing director further disclosed that the efficiency in the ports in Nigeria is far better now than those of other West African countries.
The NPA's efforts to improve port operations have resulted in increased revenue generation across the nation's ports. The Managing Director of the NPA was elected as the IAPH vice president for Africa, a position that will enable him to push for digital ports to drive trade growth. The IAPH is an international organisation that brings together ports and harbours from around the world to share best practices and drive growth.
The 25% growth in Nigeria's exports over the past two years is a significant achievement, driven by government reforms and improved cooperation between the NPA and port terminal operators. The NPA's efforts to improve port operations and develop port infrastructure will continue to drive growth and increase revenue generation across the nation's ports.
Key points
- Nigeria's export earnings and volumes have increased by 25% over the past two years.
- The growth in exports has been driven by improved collaboration between the NPA and major terminal operators.
- The Federal Government is committing $1bn to the expansion and modernisation of Apapa Port.
