NPA chief says exports rose 25% in two years

Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho said Nigerian exports rose 25% over the past two years, crediting government reforms and partnerships with port operators, as he outlined plans for a $1 billion expansion and modernization of Apapa Port. Dantsoho made the remarks at the World Ports Conference in London, organized by the International Association of Ports and Harbours. The export-growth figure and the explanations for it were presented as his account; the reports did not include supporting export totals. He said the increase included manufactured and agricultural goods, such as cocoa and cashew, as well as oil and gas. He attributed the growth partly to collaboration between the NPA and major terminal operators, including APM Terminals. Dantsoho said the authority had established about four Export Processing Terminals with operators, the Nigeria Customs Service and other agencies. The terminals are intended to allow export cargo to be processed locally and help ensure products meet standards before shipment, he said. Dantsoho also said Nigeria’s reforms had improved the country’s ability to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area, which...