NPA Recommits To Giving Priority To Export Through Seaport

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), at the weekend, disclosed that it will continually give priority consideration to exportation of agricultural produce and solid mineral resources through the nation’s seaports.

The managing director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, who disclosed this during the authority’s Special Day at the ongoing 34th Enugu International Trade Fair, organised by the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (ECCIMA), in Enugu, said priority consideration for exporters would in turn give exportation a boost.

“At the NPA, the Lilypond Terminal provides exporters the much-needed infrastructure to carry out their transactions at a reduced cost and time, thereby increasing their competitiveness in the international market.

“This is done to encourage the exportation of more locally-made goods, a move to boost non-export in the country and to ease supply chain constraints for export cargoes.

“We will continually give priority consideration to exportation of agricultural produce and solid mineral resources, which will in turn give exportation a boost in the nation’s economy,” he said.

The NPA boss also disclosed that the Lekki multi-purpose seaport is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians when completed.

He said Lekki Deep Seaport was the deepest port in West Africa and would be a significant game-changer in Nigeria’s maritime economy.

Bello-Koko, represented by principal manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, NPA, Lagos, said the deep seaport would strive to be the leading port in Africa, a dream that could be realised through a collective commitment of trade development drivers.

“We will continue to collaborate with our partners in the economic development of Nigeria and we consider ECCIMA as partner in the development of the country.

“The Nigerian maritime industry is a prime economic driver, bearing in mind that 85 per cent volume of economic activities are delivered through the ports worldwide as Maritime transport remains the main gateway to the global marketplace.

“I am highly excited that ECCIMA has continued to provide platforms and opportunities for entrepreneurs to emerge and thrive,” Koko said.

The managing director further added that rail lines from the ports were being rehabilitated to ensure ease in the logistics chain.