New export terminals and digital reforms aim to cut bottlenecks, boost non-oil exports and position Nigeria as a stronger trading nation….
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it has streamlined export procedures and introduced new processing terminals designed to connect producers in Nigeria’s hinterland more efficiently to international markets.
Speaking at the NPA Special Day during the 2026 Kaduna International Trade Fair, the authority’s Managing Director, Abubakar Dantsoho, called on traders and investors to take advantage of the new export channels created to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive global trading hub.
Dantsoho explained that the reforms are focused on removing long-standing bureaucratic obstacles that have historically discouraged participation in the country’s export value chain.
He said the authority is using the opportunity of the trade fair to invite members of the business and investment community to explore simplified export procedures and emerging opportunities within the NPA system.
A central component of the reform is the rollout of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), which are designed as one-stop hubs where exporters can complete cargo consolidation, stuffing, packaging, documentation, certification and electronic shipment scheduling in a single location.
According to the NPA boss, the terminals are fully integrated with port operations through the electronic call-up system, enabling faster cargo evacuation, reducing congestion and improving overall turnaround time for export shipments.
He noted that the EPTs were introduced to eliminate the complexities that previously characterised Nigeria’s export process, allowing exporters to complete documentation, packaging and shipment coordination in a more seamless and efficient manner.
To further strengthen connectivity between ports and inland production centres, Dantsoho disclosed that the authority is collaborating with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other partners to link the export terminals with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs). The initiative is expected to create structured pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises to access global markets more easily.
He said the goal is to connect producers, including those in remote hinterland locations, to international demand clusters across the world through an efficient and coordinated export system.
Dantsoho also revealed that the NPA is advancing the implementation of the National Single Window, a digital platform aimed at automating port and trade processes. He described the system as a global best practice that will simplify interactions among stakeholders and enhance trade facilitation through a more efficient and transparent framework.
Highlighting the importance of Kaduna to Nigeria’s trade expansion strategy, the managing director described the state as a strategic commercial centre and a gateway to the northern hinterland as well as neighbouring landlocked countries. He said its geographic position makes it critical to the country’s broader export growth ambitions.
Dantsoho reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to building strong partnerships that will support domestic production, increase non-oil exports and contribute to Nigeria’s ongoing economic diversification efforts.
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