NPA urges traders, investors to explore simplified export processes
Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, has urged traders and investors to benefit from the NPA's streamlined export processes and new opportunities.Dr. Dantsoho disclosed this at the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair, which is themed "Promoting Efficiency in Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Trade through Digital Transformation."
He assured stakeholders that the NPA welcomes partnerships beyond the trade fair and reiterated its commitment to ongoing collaboration and trade facilitation.
Dantsoho revealed that, in order to strengthen the domestic economy and promote trade balance, the NPA established the Export Processing Terminal to streamline Nigeria's previously complex export process.
"As a result, I would like to warmly invite you to interact with our business development team at the NPA pavilion, as well as to visit our fully interactive online real-time website, to learn about our growth.
"The EPTs were conceptualized to serve as a one-stop-shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification, and onward shipment through electronic call-up to the Ports in quick turnaround time thus eliminating the duplication and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace," according to him.
He stated that, in collaboration with the NEPC and other relevant partners, the Export Processing Terminals will be linked to Domestic Export Warehouses to improve port-hinterland connectivity and create opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the export value chain.
The NPA boss emphasized that the EPTs were established in accordance with the Federal Government's ease of doing business initiative and the theme of this year's Kaduna Trade Fair.
He also revealed that the NPA is actively working to fully automate its processes via the Ports Community System, which serves as the foundation for implementing the National Single Window.
Dantsoho explained that the National Single Window is a global best practice that aims to maximize value and efficiency by seamlessly connecting all stakeholders in the trade value chain at the touch of a button.
"I have said all of these, to show that the NPA has put measures in place to link value creators in the remotest part of the hinterland with the farthest clusters of demand anywhere on the globe," declared him.
Dantsoho praised the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture for its perseverance in cultivating a culture of hospitality and business friendliness that continues to attract global participants to the Kaduna International Trade Fair, thereby strengthening economic prosperity.
He also emphasized Kaduna's strategic location as a trade, population, and transportation hub, as well as the gateway to Nigeria's northern hinterland and landlocked neighboring countries, which presents numerous untapped opportunities.
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