Economy

NPA Unveils Bold Strategy to Boost Non-Oil Exports

Published

7 months ago

March 30, 2026

Q Tinny

NPA non-oil export strategy aims to boost trade with port automation, infrastructure upgrades, and simplified export processes for SMEs

The Nigerian Ports Authority has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to expand the nation’s non-oil exports, focusing on port infrastructure renewal, simplification of export procedures, and full automation of port operations.

Also read: Reps Summon Customs, CBN, NPA over Pre-Shipment Export Processes

Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the NPA, announced the initiative during his keynote address at the 37th Enugu International Trade Fair in Enugu State.

Dantsoho highlighted the strategic importance of Enugu as a commercial gateway to Nigeria’s South-East and emphasised the potential for agro-allied products and other local goods to reach global markets.

“The strategic positioning of Enugu as the gateway to the South-Eastern hinterland presents huge opportunities for the expansion of export opportunities, which is the focal point of the Nigerian Ports Authority,” Dantsoho said.

He also commended the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture for sustaining the trade fair as a platform for enterprise growth and international trade engagement.

As part of efforts to boost cargo traffic, the NPA is investing in the rehabilitation of key eastern ports, including Onne, Warri, and Calabar, while supporting the development of new deep seaports across the region.

“In addition to our renewed investment in Eastern Ports infrastructure, we are providing bespoke technical guidance to proponents of deep seaports in a bid to drive vessel and cargo traffic to the Eastern flank on a sustainable frequency,” he added.

Central to the reform agenda is the establishment of Export Process Terminals (EPTs), designed to simplify export procedures and reduce inefficiencies.

Dantsoho explained that EPTs function as one-stop hubs for cargo consolidation, documentation, packaging, certification, and onward shipment.

“The EPTs were conceptualised to eliminate duplications and bureaucratic overlaps that previously rendered Nigerian exports uncompetitive,” he said.

The NPA is also pursuing full automation of its processes through the National Single Window (NSW) system to enhance efficiency and curb underhand dealings.

Dantsoho described the NSW as a globally recognised system enabling seamless interaction among all stakeholders in the trade value chain at the push of a button.

To strengthen port-hinterland connectivity, the EPTs will be linked with Domestic Export Warehouses in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council and other partners, opening up export opportunities nationwide.

Dantsoho urged investors and exporters to leverage the NPA’s platforms, saying, “Our doors are always open for partnerships.

We have put measures in place to link value creators in the remotest part of the hinterland with the farthest clusters of demand anywhere on the globe.”

Also read: NPA Reports 1,085% Surge in Export Containers

The strategy represents a bold step by the NPA to modernise Nigeria’s port system, enhance export competitiveness, and position non-oil trade as a key driver of economic growth.

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Economy

NRS Assures Taxpayers VAT Remains at 7.5% Amid Tax Reform Concerns

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

NRS VAT rate remains 7.5%, the agency says, while addressing concerns over bank deductions, loans and the implementation of Nigeria’s tax reforms

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has assured taxpayers that Nigeria’s standard Value Added Tax (VAT) rate remains 7.5 per cent, while addressing concerns over the implementation of the country’s new tax reforms.

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The assurance was given by the Tax Administrator responsible for Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states, Samaila Abdullahi, during an NRS stakeholders’ engagement and tax reform sensitisation programme in Kano.

Abdullahi said concerns raised by individuals, traders, business owners and other stakeholders about the new tax laws were understandable, particularly questions relating to bank transactions, loans, family transfers, business income and the potential impact on small businesses.

He urged taxpayers to understand the reforms through the provisions of the law rather than rely on assumptions or misinformation.

According to him, the tax laws do not automatically authorise deductions from personal bank accounts.

He stressed that tax collection and recovery must follow the applicable legal provisions and procedures.

Abdullahi also clarified that money received as a loan should not automatically be classified as business income or profit, explaining that proper documentation is essential to establish the nature of a transaction.

“For instance, when a trader receives a loan of N500,000, the amount should not automatically be treated as N500,000 in sales or profit, provided the transaction is properly documented,” he said.

The NRS official’s comments were aimed at addressing public concerns about how the new tax framework would affect personal finances and business transactions.

He emphasised the importance of distinguishing between taxable business receipts and other funds, such as documented loans, when determining a taxpayer’s obligations.

The clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s tax reforms and questions about their implications for individuals, traders and small businesses.