21st AITF: NPA Assures Seamless Logistics for Exporters as ACCI Says Fair Promotes Trade and Investment

21st AITF: NPA Assures Seamless Logistics for Exporters as ACCI Says Fair Promotes Trade and Investment

By prince Benson Davies

The push to reposition Nigeria’s non-oil export sector took centre stage at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, as the Nigerian Ports Authority unveiled fresh measures to eliminate export bottlenecks and facilitate trade.

Speaking at the NPA Special Day at the Fair, which was organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the theme “Resilient Trade, Taxation and the Economy,” the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, said the Authority is taking deliberate steps to make exporting easier, faster and more profitable.

Dr. Dantsoho said trade resilience is anchored on strong infrastructure, stable fiscal policies and efficient supply chains. He explained that the NPA is currently upgrading port facilities and extending its maritime logistics operations beyond the coastal areas into the hinterland, to enable exporters in different parts of the country to connect to global markets without unnecessary delays.

He observed that Nigeria’s economy cannot continue to rely heavily on imports and crude oil earnings, stressing that the expansion of non-oil exports and the integration of local businesses into global value chains remain crucial to long-term economic sustainability.

The NPA helmsman disclosed that the Federal Government’s recent approval for the transfer of Inland Dry Port management and development responsibilities to the NPA would bring port services closer to exporters. He noted that the initiative would significantly reduce logistics costs for businesses in the northern and central regions, including Abuja.

According to him, exporters in those areas will no longer be required to move raw commodities to seaports in Lagos and other coastal cities before carrying out port clearance and documentation. He said the new arrangement will allow documentation to be processed closer to production clusters, thereby saving time and resources.

To further ease export processes, Dr. Dantsoho said the NPA has operationalised dedicated Export Processing Terminals. He described the terminals as integrated one-stop facilities where export cargo is sorted, packaged, certified for quality and documented for customs before being moved to the port terminals for final shipment.

He stated that the intervention is already impacting positively on non-oil exports, especially agricultural produce and solid minerals, adding that it is helping Nigerian exporters meet international delivery requirements more consistently.

He revealed that key agricultural commodities such as cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus flower, alongside solid minerals, have witnessed increased export volumes in the last two years. He expressed confidence that the streamlined processes would further boost confidence of international buyers in Nigerian goods and drive higher foreign exchange inflows.

He encouraged players in agriculture, manufacturing, processing and solid minerals to leverage the emerging export infrastructure to scale their operations and explore international markets.

Dantsoho reaffirmed the commitment of the NPA to ensuring efficient port services and extending logistics support across the country. He said the goal is to build a trade-supportive environment where exporters, irrespective of their scale or location, can access dependable logistics and compete effectively in the global marketplace.

He added that a resilient national economy thrives on a vibrant trade ecosystem and the NPA will continue to back initiatives that enhance Nigeria’s standing in international trade.

On his part, the Director General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Agabaidu Jideani, emphasised the need for stronger synergy between the NPA and the organised private sector to drive trade, attract investments and deepen the link between the maritime industry and the wider business community.

Speaking at the NPA Day on the sidelines of the Fair, Jideani said sustained engagement between the NPA and private sector operators is vital to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and boosting Nigeria’s involvement in local, regional and global trade.

He pointed out that the performance of the nation’s ports in terms of efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness has direct consequences for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics firms, retailers and other businesses affiliated to the Chamber’s sectoral groups.

The ACCI DG said the Chamber is keen on bridging the gap between businesses in the Federal Capital Territory and the broader trade ecosystem at national and international levels. He noted that ACCI can serve as a platform for businesses to provide feedback on their experiences with port operations, while the NPA can use the platform to educate the business community on its trade facilitation programmes, procedures and investment opportunities in the maritime sector.

He lauded the NPA for participating in the 21st edition of the Abuja International Trade Fair and for leveraging the NPA Day to interact directly with private sector stakeholders. He described the Authority’s presence at the Fair not just as an exhibition, but as a valuable avenue for dialogue, engagement and partnership.

Jideani stated that ACCI is prepared to deepen collaboration with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes and capacity-building initiatives that will enhance trade efficiency and economic linkages.

He explained that such partnership has become even more imperative as businesses seek better market access, improved supply chains and a more enabling environment for trade and investment.

He noted that the Abuja International Trade Fair, with its focus on resilience, trade, taxation and the economy, offers a strategic platform for interaction among businesses, government agencies, investors, financial institutions, diplomatic missions and development partners.

Jideani said the Trade Fair remains a practical demonstration of the Chamber’s core mandate of promoting trade, investment and sustainable economic development. He said the event brings together businesses, investors, government agencies, diplomatic missions, financial institutions and development partners to showcase goods and services, build business networks, explore new markets and deliberate on economic issues.

He stressed that stronger institutional collaboration between agencies like the NPA and the organised private sector is critical to enhancing Nigeria’s trading environment and ease of doing business.

The ACCI boss commended the NPA for aligning with the objectives of the 21st AITF, noting that its involvement provides an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and foster productive dialogue between the maritime sector and the business community.

He concluded that the Chamber is optimistic about building a stronger and more enduring partnership with the NPA that will support businesses, facilitate trade, unlock new opportunities and enhance the growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy