The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced Export Process Terminals (EPTs) in a bid to simplify and streamline the country’s export operations, boosting Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness and supporting the Federal Government’s ease of doing business agenda.
The announcement was made by Mr Asuquo Okon, Principal Manager, Tariff and Billing at the NPA, during the authority’s special day at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair on Thursday. Okon explained that the newly established terminals are designed to serve as a comprehensive one-stop-shop for key export procedures such as cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification, and final shipment via an electronic call-up system to the ports.
“The EPTs were conceptualised to serve as a one-stop-shop of cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification and onward shipment through electronic call-up of the Ports in quick turnaround time,” he stated.
Mr Okon noted that the initiative was a direct response to longstanding inefficiencies in the nation’s export process, which have historically hindered the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the global marketplace.
“We are aggressively simplifying our export processes to enable made-in-Nigeria goods transit through our Ports as seamlessly as possible,” he said.
In order to further enhance nationwide trade connectivity, Okon disclosed that the EPTs would be linked to Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) through collaborative efforts with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other relevant partners.
“To facilitate Port-hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to play in the ex value chain, the EPTs would be linked with Domestic Ex Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the NEPC and relevant partners,” he explained.
He added that the move aligns with this year’s Trade Fair theme, “Developing Nigeria’s Industrial Sector/SMEs for Economic Advancement and Global Recognition,” and reflects the NPA’s commitment to modernising port operations.
Speaking on broader reform efforts, Okon stressed the agency’s determination to phase out manual processes that slow operations and foster corruption. “To achieve this, we are eliminating human interface which encourages underhand dealings by pursuing the full automation of our processes and procedures through the Ports Community System,” he said.
“As some of us are aware of our bid to contribute to the strengthening of the domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade.”
He extended an invitation to business stakeholders, encouraging them to utilise the simplified export framework and engage with the NPA beyond the trade fair event. “The manager, therefore, assured every stakeholder that its doors were always open for partnerships even beyond the trade fair.”
While applauding the NPA for its support in fostering trade, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr Odeiga Jideonwo—represented by Mr Eric Chime—voiced concerns regarding the persistent delays importers continue to face when clearing cargo in the region. He urged the NPA to adopt more proactive strategies to resolve longstanding bottlenecks in the maritime sector.