NPA Unveils Plan to Upgrade Onne, Warri, and Calabar Ports for Enhanced Cargo Traffic
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a significant investment initiative aimed at the rehabilitation and modernization of key eastern ports, specifically Onne, Warri, and Calabar. This strategic move is designed to drive increased cargo traffic and improve overall port capacity, aligning with broader efforts to bolster Nigeria's non-oil export sector.
Comprehensive Strategy for Infrastructure and Export Growth
Speaking at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair, NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho detailed a comprehensive strategy that focuses on infrastructure renewal, simplification of export processes, and full automation of port operations. He emphasized that the authority is committed to repositioning Nigeria's port system to better connect local producers, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), to global markets.
Dantsoho highlighted the strategic importance of Enugu as a commercial gateway to the South-East hinterland, noting its vast opportunities for export expansion, especially in agro-allied products. He commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture for maintaining the trade fair as a vital platform for enterprise development and international trade engagement.
Key Initiatives: Export Process Terminals and Automation
Central to the NPA's reform agenda is the establishment of Export Process Terminals (EPTs), which are designed to simplify and streamline export procedures for Nigerian goods. Dantsoho explained that these terminals serve as a one-stop shop for all export-related activities, including cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification, and onward shipment.
This initiative aims to eliminate duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that have historically hindered the competitiveness of Nigerian exports. Additionally, the EPTs will be linked with domestic export warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other partners to strengthen port-hinterland connectivity and open up export opportunities nationwide.
To further enhance efficiency and align with the Federal Government's ease-of-doing-business agenda, the NPA is pursuing full automation of its processes through the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system. This move is expected to reduce delays and inefficiencies, making port operations more seamless and competitive on a global scale.
Driving Sustainable Cargo Traffic to Eastern Ports
In addition to the port upgrades, Dantsoho mentioned that the NPA will provide bespoke technical guidance to proponents of deep seaports. This effort is aimed at driving vessel and cargo traffic to the Eastern flank on a sustainable frequency, ensuring long-term growth and development in the region.
He stressed that trade remains one of the most effective tools for achieving Nigeria's economic aspirations, and the NPA is dedicated to removing longstanding bottlenecks that have impeded export competitiveness. By investing in infrastructure and streamlining processes, the authority seeks to create a more robust and efficient port system that supports economic diversification and growth.
