The managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, has urged traders and investors to leverage new export channels to reposition Nigeria globally.

Marking the 2026 NPA Special Day on Saturday, Mr Dantsoho said the authority introduced simplified processes to dismantle long-standing bureaucratic bottlenecks hindering export participation.

He explained the reforms aimed to boost non-oil exports, improve Nigeria’s trade balance and integrate hinterland producers into global supply chains.

Mr Dantsoho identified Export Process Terminals (EPT) as a key reform, describing them as one-stop hubs for consolidation, stuffing, packaging, documentation, certification and electronic scheduling.

“The terminals were conceptualised to simplify what used to be a burdensome export process.

“We invite the trading and investing public to explore the tailor-made simplified export processes and other opportunities available at the NPA.

“The EPTs are electronically integrated with port operations through the call-up system to ensure faster cargo evacuation and improved turnaround time.

“Exporters can now complete documentation, packaging and shipment coordination seamlessly and efficiently,” Mr Dantsoho stated.

He said the NPA was collaborating with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to deepen port-hinterland connectivity.

According to him, the partnership will link EPTs with Domestic Export Warehouses to create structured pathways for SMEs in international trade.

Mr Dantsoho maintained that trade remained Nigeria’s most viable instrument for achieving its economic aspirations amid efforts to diversify from oil dependence. 

(NAN)