The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated its commitment to streamlining the export process through the establishment of Export Processing Terminals (EPTs), designed to enhance trade efficiency and strengthen the country’s economy.
Speaking at the ‘Special Day’ of NPA during the ongoing Kaduna International Trade Fair, the Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, emphasized that the EPTs were introduced to ease the complexities of exportation and improve Nigeria’s trade balance.
According to Dantsoho, the EPTs function as a one-stop solution for cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification, and electronic call-up for swift port access. This initiative eliminates bureaucratic redundancies that previously hindered Nigerian exports from competing in the global market.
He stated, “EPTs were conceptualized to facilitate Port-Hinterland connectivity and create pathways for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to actively participate in the export value chain. These EPTs are linked with Domestic Export Warehouses (DEWs) in synergy with the NEPC and relevant partners.”
Exporters Lament Bottlenecks in NXP Policy
Despite these advancements, exporters under the Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals (AWAEMAP) have raised concerns about the Nigeria Export Proceeds (NXP) policy, recently introduced by the NPA, citing shipment delays and trade disruptions.
The NXP form is a mandatory electronic document required for exporting goods, detailing commodity type, quantity, value, and destination. However, exporters claim that the new policy has led to an accumulation of export-laden containers at ports due to restricted access.
During an emergency stakeholders’ meeting at the Lily Pond Export Processing Terminal, the National President of AWAEMAP, Mr. Olubunmi Olumekun, expressed frustration over the delays, stating that the policy has negatively impacted trade facilitation.
He remarked, “The delays exporters are facing due to this new NPA process are stalling trade rather than promoting it. Export is based on tonnage and volume, not just container size. The complications introduced by the NXP requirement have slowed operations significantly.”
Calls for Policy Reassessment
Another exporter, Alhaji Nafiu, voiced concerns that the policy, intended to streamline processes, has instead created confusion and financial setbacks. He urged the NPA to collaborate with relevant authorities, including the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), to address exporters’ grievances.
Similarly, Comptroller Ajibola Odusanya, the Customs Area Controller of Lilypond Export Command, clarified that the NXP is a government policy, not an initiative of the Nigeria Customs Service. He called for urgent inter-agency dialogue to resolve the bottlenecks.
He stated, “This emergency meeting is to address the challenges posed by the NXP policy operated by the NPA. Our priority is ensuring smooth trade operations, and we urge all relevant agencies to find an interim solution.”
The Way Forward
As Nigeria seeks to expand its footprint in global trade, stakeholders emphasize the need for more inclusive policies that balance regulatory compliance with trade efficiency. The NPA’s EPTs remain a crucial initiative, but addressing exporters’ concerns will be key to realizing their full potential.
Keywords: Nigerian Ports Authority, Export Processing Terminals, NXP policy, export trade, cargo consolidation, Nigeria Customs Service, Small and Medium Enterprises, trade facilitation, global market, business environment, economic growth, international trade, export documentation.