Port reforms lift Nigeria’s exports by 25%, quadruple revenue – NPA

…As 11 Ships Expected at Lagos Ports

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Nigeria’s exports have increased by more than 25 per cent in the last two years, while revenues generated across the nation’s ports have quadrupled, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said.

The NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, attributed the growth to the Federal Government’s economic and port reforms, improved operational efficiency and increased collaboration with stakeholders in the maritime industry.

Dantsoho disclosed this while speaking at the Annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours.

He said the reforms had significantly improved cargo throughput and strengthened Nigeria’s capacity to take advantage of emerging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, Nigeria’s large population provides the country with a considerable competitive advantage among maritime nations in West and Central Africa, while ongoing improvements in port operations are creating an enabling environment for increased trade and investment.

The NPA boss said the authority had established Export Processing Terminals to address challenges associated with export cargo processing and ensure that goods meet required standards before leaving the country.

He disclosed that about four such facilities were already operating in Nigeria through partnerships involving the NPA, terminal operators, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant government agencies.

“We have got about four of those in Nigeria where we collaborate with the terminal operators, with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), and other agencies that have a stake. So that everything regarding the processing of the cargo for export is done locally, so that by the time it is exported out of Nigeria, there will not be issues regarding standards,” he said.

Dantsoho maintained that the Federal Government’s reforms had positioned Nigeria to play a stronger role in intra-African trade, particularly under the AfCFTA framework.

He cited Nigeria’s growing engagement with Morocco, which has developed into a manufacturing hub for electric and other vehicles, as an example of the opportunities available through stronger economic and trade partnerships among African countries.

He also attributed Nigeria’s improved standing in international maritime performance assessments to increased efficiency, technology adoption and cooperation among port stakeholders.

According to him, two Nigerian ports featured among the top 20 in the latest global ports ranking by the World Bank, a development he described as evidence of the impact of ongoing reforms.

The NPA boss further disclosed that cargo volumes and revenues generated by ports across the country had recorded significant increases, with revenue rising fourfold.

He said Nigeria’s port operations had become more efficient than those of several other West African countries, citing performance data available through the Association of Ports in West and Central Africa, which he also heads.

Dantsoho, however, stressed the need to sustain the momentum through stronger regional partnerships, particularly with countries such as Morocco and South Africa.

He said improvements recorded in other African maritime jurisdictions, including Tanzania and Kenya, showed the importance of continuous collaboration and investment in port efficiency.

Meanwhile, the NPA has announced that 11 ships carrying petroleum products, food items and other cargoes are expected at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos between November 3 and November 13.

The authority disclosed this in its Daily Shipping Position made available on Tuesday.

It said the expected vessels would convey containers of assorted goods, bulk wheat, general cargo, trucks, bulk sugar and bulk gypsum.

The shipping report also indicated that four vessels, including tankers, had arrived at the two ports and were awaiting berthing.

The vessels are carrying bulk salt, bulk wheat, general cargo and crude palm oil.

In addition, 21 ships were discharging cargoes at the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

The cargoes being discharged include bulk wheat, crude soya bean oil, general cargo, steel, bulk sugar, bulk gas, petrol and containerised goods.

The expected vessel arrivals and ongoing cargo operations underscore the continued flow of imports and exports through Lagos, Nigeria’s major maritime gateway, amid efforts by the NPA to improve port efficiency, expand trade capacity and strengthen the country’s position in regional and international commerce.