AGS NEWS – The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reported a significant rise in exported twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) through the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) in Apapa, Lagos.

The number of TEUs increased by 40%, from 50,000 in 2022 to 70,000 in 2023.

In an interview in the March edition of “Nigerian Ports Authority Today,” the LPC Port Manager, Charles Okaga, highlighted the port’s enhanced capacity to support international trade within and outside Africa.

He attributed the growth to collaboration between the NPA, sister agencies, and private sector operators.

Okaga noted that the improved trade facilitation at the port positively impacted Nigeria’s overall trade volume. “In 2022, we had about 50,000 TEUs of export containers.

In 2023, this increased to over 70,000,” he stated, emphasizing a 20,000 increase due to a supportive business environment fostered by the NPA, Nigeria Customs Service, and other stakeholders.

He stressed the critical role of exports in the national economy, particularly in line with the government’s agenda to diversify the economy towards non-oil exports.

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Okaga assured that the LPC is prepared to contribute to the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The NPA management has implemented measures to ease import and export processes at the port, utilizing intermodal transportation methods such as road, rail, and barges to facilitate foreign trade.

In 2022, 38,000 TEUs were transported by road, increasing to 55,000 in 2023.

Rail transport saw an increase from 5,000 TEUs in 2022 to 8,000 in 2023. Barge transport recorded 10,000 TEUs in 2022 and 8,309 in 2023.

Okaga expressed optimism for continued growth, stating, “Export is crucial for the national economy, especially with the focus on increasing the volume of locally produced goods and services exported through our ports.”