Why Nigeria introduced export terminals, dedicated cargo routes to increase non-oil trade – Dantsoho

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, has highlighted the reasons the Nigerian government introduced Export Processing Terminals and dedicated cargo transit corridors to strengthen the country’s non-oil export sector.

Speaking in a statement, Dantsoho explained that the initiatives were designed to address logistical challenges, shorten export cargo processing time and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

He noted that the Export Processing Terminals were established and integrated to offer centralised services, including cargo processing, documentation and pre-gating arrangements, thereby reducing delays and making export procedures more efficient.

According to him, the NPA has also put dedicated transit corridors into operation in partnership with security and traffic management agencies to facilitate the smooth transportation of export goods to seaports.

Dantsoho described the expansion of non-oil exports as a key national objective, noting that Nigeria must accelerate economic diversification by transitioning from a largely consumption-driven economy to a major manufacturing and export-oriented economy.

He reiterated the Authority’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s global trade connections through continuous port infrastructure upgrades, enhanced trade facilitation and the development of a more efficient maritime industry.