Nigeria: NPA moves to cut export bottlenecks through dry ports and dedicated terminals.
Ports & Maritime — Nigeria: The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is strengthening measures to improve non-oil exports by integrating inland dry ports into port operations and expanding dedicated export-processing facilities.
Ports & Maritime: Nigeria reorganises its export logistics chain
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) announced measures on October 4, 2026, to reduce bottlenecks affecting Nigeria’s non-oil exports. NPA Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho announced the measures during the authority’s special day at the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair.
The focus is on bringing port-related services closer to production areas. The Nigerian government has approved the transfer of management and development responsibilities for Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) to the NPA.
For exporters in northern and central Nigeria, including Abuja, the new approach is intended to allow more port and customs procedures to be completed inland before cargo is moved to coastal ports.
Dry ports and export terminals to reduce logistics delays
The NPA is also relying on dedicated Export Processing Terminals (EPTs). These facilities bring together several operations before cargo is transferred to seaport terminals, including sorting, packaging, quality certification and customs documentation.
The operational objective is to reduce cargo handling and administrative processes that are traditionally concentrated around seaports.
The system targets agricultural and mineral exports. The NPA identified cocoa, sesame seeds, cashew nuts, hibiscus and solid minerals among the products that have recorded export growth over the past two years.
For logistics operators, the key issue will be whether these facilities can handle additional volumes while reducing processing times and improving the predictability of cargo movements to seaports.
Why it matters
Less concentration of export procedures at coastal ports
Exporters in inland production zones could complete part of the required procedures closer to the source of their cargo, reducing unnecessary movements and delays.
Better integration of the export supply chain
Connecting inland dry ports, export-processing terminals and seaports could improve the flow from production and documentation to inland transport and vessel loading.
Impact on logistics costs and competitiveness
For agricultural and mineral commodities, shorter processing times and fewer cargo-handling steps could affect logistics costs and exporters’ ability to meet international delivery schedules.
A regional issue beyond Nigeria
The development also has implications for West African trade corridors. A more integrated Nigerian export chain could strengthen connections between inland production areas, logistics platforms and maritime gateways.
It also comes as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) continues to increase the focus on intra-African trade. Port efficiency, inland logistics and reliable connections between production centres and gateways will remain important factors in regional competitiveness.
Through inland dry ports and dedicated export terminals, the NPA is seeking to move part of Nigeria’s export-processing activity closer to production centres. The effectiveness of the system will ultimately depend on its ability to reduce delays, logistics costs and bottlenecks across the non-oil export supply chain.
