FG Targets Export Growth With $1bn Apapa Port Modernisation
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to invest $1 billion in the expansion and modernisation of Apapa Port, Lagos, as part of efforts to boost export volumes, improve port efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this at the ongoing Annual World Ports Conference in London, organised by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
Dantsoho said Nigeria’s exports had increased by 25 per cent in the last two years, attributing the growth to government reforms and improved collaboration between the NPA and private terminal operators.
He explained that the proposed Apapa Port upgrade formed part of the Federal Government’s medium- and long-term strategy to expand cargo-handling capacity, strengthen port infrastructure and take advantage of emerging opportunities in regional and international trade.
According to him, the project would require substantial private sector investment, prompting the NPA to engage major terminal operators, including APM Terminals, as well as other international partners.
The NPA boss noted that the increase in export volumes was particularly noticeable in non-oil commodities, including cocoa, cashew and manufactured products.
He attributed the development to stronger partnerships with terminal operators, adding that ongoing reforms were beginning to deliver positive results across the maritime sector.
To sustain the growth in non-oil exports, Dantsoho said the authority had established about four Export Processing Terminals across the country.
He explained that the facilities were designed to ensure that export cargoes underwent the necessary processing and quality checks locally before shipment, thereby reducing delays and preventing complications relating to export standards.
He added that the terminals operated through collaboration among the NPA, Nigeria Customs Service and other relevant government agencies.
On regional trade, Dantsoho said Nigeria was well-positioned to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), citing the country’s population, expanding economic activities and growing investor interest.
He also highlighted opportunities for stronger trade relations with other African countries, particularly Morocco, which he described as an emerging manufacturing hub for electric and smaller vehicles.
The NPA managing director further attributed improvements in port performance to ongoing reforms, technology adoption and increased international cooperation.
He disclosed that two Nigerian ports had featured among the top 20 in the latest global ports ranking by the World Bank, describing the development as evidence of improved operational efficiency.
Dantsoho also revealed that revenue generated by ports across the country had quadrupled, while cargo volumes had recorded significant growth.
He said the improvements reflected stronger collaboration with international partners and better operational coordination, adding that Nigeria’s ports were now performing more efficiently than those of several other West African countries.
On digital transformation, he disclosed that the NPA was partnering with a Singaporean firm to develop a National Single Window system, while another partnership with a company from Abu Dhabi was aimed at establishing a Port Community System.
According to him, the initiatives would improve cargo clearance, streamline port operations and strengthen coordination among stakeholders.
He said the proposed Apapa Port modernisation, alongside the digitalisation projects, would enhance trade facilitation, attract investment and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the African and global maritime industry.
Dantsoho added that the authority would continue to encourage business-to-business partnerships among private sector operators to mobilise the investment, expertise and technology required to modernise the country’s port infrastructure.
