The Nigerian Ports Authority on Tuesday commissioned the first Export Processing Terminal (EPT) in what the agency described as its determination to make export of produce from Nigeria to overseas a hassle free activity for exporters from the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos.
Speaking at the launch of Diamond Star EPT, the first of the 10 licensed terminals slated for the exercise, Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko said the commissioning of the facility will enable Nigeria to take full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
Bello said “the initiative signposts the NPA’s commitment to implementation of the National Action Plan on agro-export and the FG’s desire to diversify the national economy from oil export to non-oil export.”
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He said “The launch of this and other terminals also strategically positions Nigeria to optimize the advantages of the benefits inherent in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Agreement. The need for the Export Processing Terminals (EPTs) is underscored by the limitations of current port facilities in the Lagos area which are operating beyond their ‘as built capacity’ for cargo handling.”
“The EPTs are, therefore, holding areas positioned in Lagos and Ogun States to help exporters prepare their arrival at port terminals in-view of the traffic management challenges that are visible in Lagos.
“The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has served as our technical partners through this journey for which we are truly grateful. We are also currently working to integrate the CBN NXP to the e-call up regime and have progressed on discussion to operationalize the same using the electronic call up as the gateway.”
Bello-Koko commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), for creating an export command, affirming the authority wasn’t unaware of the existence of export warehouses handling manufactured products.
“As we can all see, the Comptroller General Nigeria Customs Service in response to the request by the Authority by graciously establishing an Export Command to support the Federal Government efforts in this regard.
