Nigeria’s export performance has increased by more than 25 per cent over the past two years, as the Federal Government’s economic reforms and improved collaboration with major port terminal operators continue to support activities across the maritime sector.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this at the ongoing Annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
According to Dantsoho, the increase reflects improvements in different areas of the economy, particularly agriculture and manufacturing, rather than relying mainly on the traditional oil and gas export sector.
He identified agricultural commodities such as cocoa and cashew, alongside manufactured products and other raw materials, as some of the goods contributing to the country’s improved export performance.
The NPA managing director attributed part of the growth to stronger cooperation between the authority and major terminal operators, particularly APM Terminals.
He explained that the collaboration had helped improve cargo handling and strengthen the processes required to move Nigerian products from local production centres to international markets.
The development is significant for Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy and increase foreign exchange earnings through non-oil exports.
Agriculture and manufacturing remain important sectors with considerable potential to create employment, support local industries and generate revenue from international trade.
Dantsoho also highlighted the establishment of approximately four Export Processing Terminals across the country as part of measures to improve the export process.
According to him, the terminals operate through collaboration involving the NPA, terminal operators, the Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant government agencies.
The arrangement is designed to ensure that export cargoes undergo the necessary processing and documentation locally before being shipped out of Nigeria.
This approach is expected to reduce challenges associated with export documentation and ensure that Nigerian products meet the required standards in international markets.
The NPA chief noted that improving the quality and handling of export goods would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to compete with other exporting countries.
Port efficiency and regional trade
Dantsoho further explained that the reforms were positioning Nigeria to benefit more effectively from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The continental trade agreement provides opportunities for African countries to increase trade among themselves by improving market access and reducing barriers to cross-border commerce.
He highlighted Nigeria’s growing trade engagement with Morocco, which he described as an emerging manufacturing centre for electric and other vehicles.
According to him, stronger cooperation between African economies could create opportunities for industrial development, investment and increased movement of goods across the continent.
He also disclosed that two Nigerian ports had secured positions among the top 20 in the latest World Bank global port rankings.
Additionally, revenue generated from ports nationwide had quadrupled, alongside an increase in cargo volumes, according to the NPA managing director.
These developments, he said, reflected improvements in operational efficiency, technology adoption and cooperation among stakeholders in the maritime industry.
Plans for Apapa Port modernisation
Looking ahead, the NPA is pursuing further investments aimed at improving Nigeria’s port infrastructure and strengthening the country’s position as a regional maritime hub.
Dantsoho disclosed that the Federal Government was planning a $1 billion investment in the expansion and modernisation of Apapa Port in Lagos.
The proposed project is expected to improve port infrastructure and operational capacity.
He explained that the investment would require significant private-sector participation, with the authority engaging APM Terminals and other potential investors.
The NPA is also pursuing digital technology partnerships to improve port operations.
According to Dantsoho, the authority has partnered with a Singaporean company to develop a national single-window system, while discussions are ongoing with an Abu Dhabi-based company on a port community system.
These digital platforms are intended to improve coordination among port stakeholders, simplify cargo clearance procedures and reduce operational bottlenecks.
The success of these initiatives will be important in determining how effectively Nigeria can sustain its export growth and attract additional investment into the maritime industry.
For Nigeria, improving port infrastructure, strengthening export processing and increasing cooperation with international partners remain important steps towards building a more competitive maritime sector.
