WorldStage– The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has called on relevant stakeholders to strengthen domestic economy across the country.
Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the NPA made the call at the NPA Special Day at 20th Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF) on Thursday in Abuja.
The the theme of the trade fair is, “Sustainability: Consumption, Incentives and Taxation.”
The fair started on Sept. 25th and will run until Oct. 6th.
Dantsoho assured the stakeholders that the NPA’s doors were opened for partnership, even beyond the trade fair.
“Let me assure every stakeholder that our doors are always open for partnerships even beyond this trade fair.
“I, therefore, want to warmly invite you to interact with our business development team at the NPA pavilion.
“You can as well visit our fully interactive online real time website www.nigerianports.gov.ng to access our growth offerings,” he said.
The managing director said that the NPA was committed to strengthening the domestic economy through the promotion of balance of trade.
He added that the agency has established the Export Process Terminal (EPTs) to simplify the hitherto burdensome process of exporting Nigerian goods.
He explained that the RPTs were conceptualised to serve as a one-stop-shop for cargo consolidation, stuffing, documentation, packaging, certification and onward shipment.
“This is through electronic call-up to the Ports in quick turnaround time thus eliminating the duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive in the international marketplace.”
He said that the centrality of Abuja and its rich agro-allied potentials was germane to strengthening NPA’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts continuously growing non-oil revenue.
“This is by connecting local value producers in the non-oil value chain to identified international clusters of demand for their goods.
“Abuja’s centrality coupled with its rich agro-allied potentials is also germane to Nigerians.’’
He said that the positioning of Abuja as the centre of the country was strategic to the NPA’s renewed trade facilitation focus that places a high premium on port-hinterland connectivity.
He said that the Abuja’s centrality accentuates, presents a seamless linkage with the comparative advantages inherent in all regions of the federation that can be harnessed to sustain growth in the volume and value of Nigeria’s exports.
“As Nigeria’s foremost trade facilitation platform, the NPA is always proud to be associated with the noble cause that this fair represents especially seeing that trade remains the most veritable tool for actualising most of our economic aspirations.
Dantsoho urged the investors and other stakeholders to explore the tailor-made simplified export processes and other vistas of opportunity present at the NPA.
Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Director-General of the Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, (ACCI), said that the NPA remained a strategic partner in Nigeria’s trade facilitation architecture.
Jideani said that the NPA played a central role in ensuring the smooth inflow and outflow of goods, machinery, raw materials and finished products that power the nation’s economy.
According to him, indeed, the efficiency of our ports has a direct bearing on the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses both within and outside our borders.
“We also recognise NPA’s commitment to bringing port services closer to inland communities through the promotion of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs).
“The Abuja Inland container depot remains a vital project with the potentials to decongest coastal ports and bring tremendous relief to businesses in the FCT and neighboring states.’’
