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NPA Inaugurates First Export Terminal In Lagos

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3 years ago

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Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has inaugurated first Nigeria’s export processing terminal, code-named Diamond Star Export Processing Terminal situated at Lilypond in Ijora, Lagos
The Diamond Terminal would ensure speedy and seamless processing of exported cargoes, accessing Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos.
It would also serve as a pre-gate from where export goods would move directly into the port.
Speaking at the inauguration, Managing Director, NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello Koko, noted that the terminal would help to reduce wastage.
He said it would also reduce the rejection of Nigerian export goods and the time wasted before exports gained access to the ports.
“There have been several cases of rejection of exports originating from Nigeria, which could be attributed to time wastage and longer time at the port, but the terminal will ensure speedy processing of export’s”, Koko said.
According to him, the initiative was in line with the NPA’s commitment to the implementation of the National Action Plan on agro-export and the government’s desire to diversify the national economy from oil to non-oil export.
NPA, he said, is also working to integrate the Central Bank of Nigeria’s  Nigeria Export Proceed (NEP) form into the electronic call-up regime.
“The need for Export Processing Terminals is underscored by the limitations of current port facilities in the Lagos area, which are operating beyond their built capacity for cargo handling.
“The export terminals will serve as holding areas positioned in Lagos and Ogun States and it will help exporters prepare their arrival at port terminals in view of the traffic management challenges that are visible in Lagos,” he said.
Koko continued that the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) had served as the technical partner of the NPA through the journey of setting up the terminals.
He applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for creating an Export Command.
The MD said the Authority would work with the Customs’ Export Command to bring up seamless modalities that would govern export trade.
“We are also working to integrate barge and train movements to complete the circle in collaboration with Nigeria Customs.
“The movement of export boxes from the Lilypond Export Terminal shall be directly through Warehouse Road to cut down on time for arrival at the port.
“Similarly, movement of export boxes to Tin-Can Island Port shall be from the Diamond Star consolidation point at Emmadunamix Terminal in Okota,” he said.
Also Speaking, Executive Director NEPC, Mr Ezra Yakusak, who was represented at the even by Mr. Haruna Ali, said the terminal would help to create more room to increase the volume of non-oil exports in Nigeria.,
Earlier, Assistant Comptroller General of NCS, Zone ‘A’, Mrs Adeyanju Aremu, said the service had developed Standard Operating Procedure in line with global standards to remove impediments along the export value chain.
Aremu urged users of the ports to take advantage of Customs’ commitment to the facilitation of legitimate trade to excel in their business and put Nigeria on the global map of top non-oil exporters.

By: Chinedu Wosu

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Maritime

Navy Seeks Partnerships To Boost Indigenous Shipbuilding, Operations

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6 days ago

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April 20, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy has expressed readiness to partner with relevant organisations to strengthen indigenous shipbuilding capacity and enhance naval operations.
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made this known in Abuja while receiving the Managing Director of ASELSAN Nigeria Limited, Amadou Thiam, during a courtesy visit to Naval Headquarters.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho and made available to The Tide.
The CNS said the move was in line with the Navy’s strategic objective of promoting local content development, technology transfer and sustainable capacity growth.
He described the engagement as timely and strategic, noting that  Navy remained committed to collaborations that would deliver tangible benefits to Nigeria’s defence industrial base.
Abbas emphasised the importance of structured partnerships, particularly through government-to-government frameworks, to ensure transparency, efficiency and alignment with national security priorities.
Earlier, Thiam said ASELSAN was ready to establish a long-term partnership with the Nigerian Navy through joint ventures and collaboration with indigenous shipyards.
He said the company’s expertise in areas such as unmanned systems, infrared search and track systems, in addition to integrated combat solutions and the modernisation of naval platforms.
According to him, the delegation’s visit to Naval Dockyard Limited, where the construction of Seaward Defence Boats is ongoing, further demonstrated opportunities for synergy with Nigeria’s growing shipbuilding capacity.
The CNS reiterated that such partnerships would position the Nigerian Navy for enhanced maritime security operations.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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Maritime

MWUN Raises Alarm Over Port Security Lapses In Lagos

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4 weeks ago

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March 30, 2026

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The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has raised alarm over poor policing of Lagos Port waterfronts
The President General MWUN Francis Bunu said this when
members of the Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN) visited the union’s headquarters ahead of the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day.
He described attacks on vessels at berth as unacceptable in a regulated port environment, stressing that such incidents undermined confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
According to him, marine police are mandated to secure berthed vessels through effective patrols and surveillance across port waterfronts.
“Why will a vessel berth and people come across the water in numbers to attack it?.
“These vessels are foreign-owned. How do they want Nigeria to be viewed in the international community?” Bunu said
The President said such breaches revealed lapses in coordination among security agencies, warning that, “urgent action was needed to restore confidence.
“Somebody is certainly not doing their job. We cannot have these attacks without decisive intervention from responsible agencies,”
Bunu reacted to a recent breach at Eko Support Terminal, where unidentified assailants reportedly attacked a berthed vessel last week.
He said the incident heightened concerns among ship operators and port users about safety within Nigerian ports.
The MWUN President  warned that repeated attacks at berths could discourage international shipping lines and worsen Nigeria’s maritime risk profile.
He called for stronger security presence around port berths and waterfronts, stressing that such insecurity raises broader concerns about territorial waters.
Bunu urged security agencies and port authorities to review surveillance and patrol systems to prevent further attacks and reassure global operators.
Earlier, President of SCAN,Mr Moses Ebosele, commended Bunu for protecting workers’ interests and supporting industry growth.
Ebosele said the visit was part of preparations for the 2026 Dockworkers’ Day celebration organised by the association.
He appealed for support from maritime workers to ensure the success of the event.
Ebosele said this year’s celebration would emphasise environmentally friendly practices and modern technologies in Nigerian seaports.
According to him, the theme, ‘Green Ports: Sustainable Practices for Dockworkers,’ will guide discussions among key maritime stakeholders.
He added, the initiative aimed to improve environmental performance while sustaining economic viability and maritime trade.
Ebosele said participants would also explore dockworkers’ contributions to the economy and strategies for strengthening their role in a green economy.
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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Maritime

Nigerian Navy Plans CMTF To Safeguard GOG

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4 weeks ago

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March 30, 2026

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The Nigerian Navy has stepped up efforts to strengthen regional maritime security with plans to establish a Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF), positioning it as a multinational initiative to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea GOG
Navy said the collaboration would enhance global shipping safety.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said this in a statement signed by Navy Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information and made available  to Newsmen
 Vice Admiral Idi Abbas who received the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Jen Ole Bach Hansen, at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership role in driving a coordinated multinational maritime security framework in the Gulf of Guinea, a critical corridor for international trade.
Abbas stressed the region remains vital to global shipping, noting that countries like Denmark depend significantly on its sea lanes for commerce.
Vice Admiral Abbas disclosed that the proposed CMTF, expected to commence operations by mid-2026, would bring together “like-minded nations” to improve maritime domain awareness, boost joint response capabilities, and consolidate recent gains against piracy and other maritime threats in the region.
He called for robust Danish support in both the operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the initiative, describing such collaboration as crucial to maintaining security and stability within the Gulf of Guinea.
The Naval chief also extended an invitation to the Danish Navy to participate in the Nigerian Navy’s forthcoming International Fleet Review, a move aimed at strengthening interoperability and deepening naval cooperation between both countries.
Earlier Ambassador Hansen reaffirmed Denmark’s commitment to expanding its defence and maritime partnership with Nigeria under its Africa Strategy.
He noted that bilateral relations between both countries, particularly in maritime security, have witnessed significant progress since 2024.
The envoy acknowledged Nigeria’s strides in improving maritime security and expressed Denmark’s readiness to deepen collaboration in pursuit of shared security objectives in the Gulf of Guinea.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to sustained strategic cooperation, with a shared goal of ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment that supports regional and global economic activities.#
By: CHINEDU WOSU
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