NPA Moves to Cut Port Bottlenecks as Nigeria Targets More Non-Oil Export Revenue

The Nigerian Ports Authority is intensifying efforts to remove bottlenecks across the country’s ports and expand access to international markets as Nigeria seeks to increase non-oil exports and foreign-exchange earnings.

NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho said the authority was strengthening port infrastructure, improving cargo-processing systems and expanding maritime logistics into the hinterland.

He disclosed the plans at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair, organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to Dantsoho, Nigeria’s economic resilience can no longer depend primarily on crude oil revenues and imports.

He said expanding non-oil exports and connecting businesses across the country to global value chains would be essential to achieving sustainable economic growth.

One of the major measures is the Federal Government’s approval for the NPA to take over the management and development of Inland Dry Ports.

The move is intended to bring port services closer to businesses located far from Nigeria’s coastal ports, particularly exporters operating in northern and central parts of the country.

Under the new arrangement, exporters in places such as Abuja and other inland production centres will have greater access to port clearance and documentation without first transporting raw commodities all the way to Lagos or other coastal ports.

This could reduce logistics costs and shorten the time required to move goods from production areas to international markets. 

The NPA is also expanding the use of Export Processing Terminals, which are designed to function as one-stop facilities for export cargo.

At these terminals, exporters can carry out activities such as sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation before cargo is transported to port terminals.

The authority believes the arrangement can reduce delays and improve the reliability of Nigeria’s export supply chain.

The need for more efficient export infrastructure is particularly important for agricultural commodities and solid minerals.

According to the NPA, commodities including cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts and hibiscus, alongside solid minerals, have recorded increased export activity over the past two years.

However, exporters continue to face challenges relating to transportation, port clearance, certification, logistics and supply-chain reliability.

These challenges can make Nigerian products less competitive in international markets.

A buyer overseas may be willing to purchase Nigerian agricultural products, for example, but unreliable delivery schedules can make it difficult for exporters to secure long-term contracts.

The NPA therefore believes that improving port efficiency can directly increase Nigeria’s ability to compete in global markets.

The move also aligns with the country’s broader efforts to diversify foreign-exchange earnings.

Nigeria’s capital-importation figures have improved sharply in 2026, with $16.41 billion entering the country during the first five months of the year.

However, approximately 95% of that capital was portfolio investment, rather than direct investment in productive sectors. 

Increasing non-oil exports would provide another source of foreign exchange that is generated directly through the sale of Nigerian goods and services to international buyers.

It could also create domestic jobs because export growth in agriculture, manufacturing and solid minerals requires additional processing, packaging, transportation and logistics capacity.

The NPA is consequently positioning port reform as part of the wider economic diversification agenda rather than simply a maritime-sector reform.

For the strategy to succeed, however, port improvements will need to be matched by stronger domestic production capacity.

Nigeria cannot significantly increase non-oil exports if manufacturers and farmers are unable to produce goods at competitive prices or in sufficient quantities.

This is particularly relevant given the latest manufacturing data showing that imports currently account for about 64% of Nigeria’s manufactured-goods market. 

The combination of improved production capacity and more efficient export infrastructure could therefore give Nigeria a stronger position in regional and global markets.

The immediate objective is to make it easier, faster and cheaper for Nigerian businesses to move goods from farms and factories to international customers.

If successful, the reforms could help Nigeria generate more non-oil foreign exchange while reducing the economy’s long-standing dependence on crude oil receipts.