The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), yesterday affirmed the designation of the Lilypond Container Terminal in Ijora, Lagos, as a specialised processing and handling facility for the exportation of the country’s locally made finished agricultural goods.
The Lilypond Terminal will offer exporters a one-stop space to carry out their transactions at a reduced cost and time, thereby increasing their profit margin and competitiveness in the international market.
A statement by Ibrahim Nasiru, NPA’s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, quoted the Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, as saying that the move would ease the bureaucratic and logistical bottlenecks faced by exporters, thereby promoting better access for Nigeria’s non-oil exports into international markets.
It said the NPA helmsman made the pronouncement at the NPA’s Special Day celebration at the ongoing 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair.
He said that the fair’s 2022 theme: “Re-strategising Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness” underscored the federal government’s agenda on the diversification of the economy away from reliance on hydrocarbons, by focusing on industrial development, especially local manufacturing and large scale food production.
He said the NPA had initiated several strategies to maximise the movement of non-oil exports across the country’s borders.
The Lilypond Terminal will offer exporters a one-stop space to carry out their transactions at a reduced cost and time, thereby increasing their profit margin and competitiveness in the international market.
Bello-Koko said: “We are currently in discussions with the terminal operators to give priority to exportation of agricultural produce and solid minerals, this will stimulate our domestic economy, create thousands of jobs and increase the revenue profile of the government at all levels.
“The Nigerian port industry remains a prime economic driver, bearing in mind that 85% of the country’s trades are handled through the port.
“Maritime transport remains the main gateway to the global marketplace. Ocean ports are a central and necessary component in facilitating trade among nations.”
He noted that ports are catalysts for economic development as they enable trade and support supply chains.
“Recognising our huge role as custodian of ports necessitates continuous participation at Trade Exhibitions like this,” he said.
International trade hub
Bello-Koko expressed the strong belief that Nigeria should be the hub of international trade in Africa, being the largest economy on the continent.
He said: “if we can harness those immense talents of our huge, enterprising, intelligent and determined youths, along with the vast array of natural resources we are endowed with, Nigeria will be among the first world countries in a decade.”
He said NPA is positioning Nigerian seaports as the preferred destination of cargo in the region, and had led the campaign for the actualisation of the Lekki Deep Seaport, which had reached 81% completion stage.
He disclosed that operations at the new port are expected to commence in the last quarter of the year.
“The Lekki Deep Seaport is designed to be the deepest port in West Africa and will be a significant game-changer in Nigeria’s maritime economy. This multi-purpose port is expected to generate more than 170,000 direct and indirect jobs when completed.
“To encourage quick and easy processing of imports, the Authority has begun the implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) in conjunction with sister agencies, to engender transparency, efficiency and reduce the cost of doing business at the port.
“The manual outlines the harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of Agencies operating in the maritime industry.”
The Processing Manual will foster a very conducive environment for port users, streamline inspection and examination of cargo, and check exploitation and corrupt tendencies by service providers, among other benefits.
Bello-Koko emphasised that the Processing Manual will foster a very conducive environment for port users, streamline inspection and examination of cargo, and check exploitation and corrupt tendencies by service providers, among other benefits.
He commended the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (KADCCIMA), for providing the platform for entrepreneurs to network and thrive.
He charged the KADCCIMA to brace up for the digital economy, and join in the campaign to market the economic benefits of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) to the business community.
In his welcome remarks, President of the KADCCIMA, Suleiman Aliyu, described NPA as the artery of the nation’s economy, in view of its strategic role in trade facilitation and providing access for businesses to thrive across International borders.
He acknowledged that Nigeria recently signed an agreement that would enhance the flow of goods between Nigeria and Chad.
Aliyu, represented by Vice President of the Chamber, Ishaya Idi, commended the NPA for its steadfastness and contribution to the growth of the Chamber. (NAN)
