The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) have joined forces to develop the Marine and Blue Economy sector, focusing on expanding the nation’s export capacity.
This was disclosed by Mr Okechukwu Onyemekara, General Manager of Communication and Strategy at NPA, following a courtesy visit by DIL President, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to the NPA Headquarters in Lagos on Monday.
During the visit, Dangote detailed the company’s plans to broaden its range of export products beyond Nigeria. He revealed that the cement factory at Itori has already commenced cement exports, with six million tonnes designated for this purpose.
“In the coming weeks, we will begin exporting coal from Nigeria. Our fertiliser exports will amount to nearly eight cargos.
“The refinery operations will export no less than 25 million tonnes of various products.
“We will also export approximately 600,000 to 700,000 metric tonnes of polypropylene. In terms of export volume, we expect to be very significant.
“Within the next two years, we will be exporting around 16,000 tonnes of fertiliser, which is expected to generate between $6.5 million and $7 million in daily revenue for the country,” Dangote stated.
He further emphasised that DIL’s export programme will be a major contributor to Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings, and predicted that operations at Nigerian ports will double within two years.
Dangote pledged to keep highlighting port-related issues to the Federal Government to ensure the NPA receives the necessary support. He commended NPA’s efforts in promoting exports across the country’s ports.
“The collaboration between NPA and DIL is crucial for industrial growth and to deepen the Marine and Blue Economy. We have agreed to work together for Nigeria’s benefit.
“At our Lekki operations alone, we expect nearly 240 crude oil shipments annually, each carrying one million barrels. Additionally, there will be over 600 product shipments yearly.
“Our fertiliser operations will also handle about eight ships, a scale never before seen in the country,” Dangote explained.
He acknowledged operational challenges affecting exports but expressed confidence that, under the current NPA leadership, these would be resolved.
Dangote highlighted the need for Federal Government support to equip NPA with additional resources such as tugboats to sustain operations.
In response, NPA Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho thanked Dangote for recognising the benefits of the Federal Government’s Naira for Crude sale policy.
Dantsoho also praised Dangote for endorsing the One Stop Shop policy for the Naira for Crude deal, coordinated by the NPA.
“Dangote acknowledged that this government initiative has greatly improved efficiency in transactions and operations among Nigerian government agencies.
“Since its inception on 1 October 2024, the system has handled over 57 vessels monthly.
“With an annual projection of 600 vessels, current figures already exceed expectations. We will continue striving for excellence with government support,” Dantsoho said.
He added, “The last port built in Nigeria was the Tin-Can Island Port in 1977. Approval has now been given for the modernisation of both Tin-Can and Apapa ports.
“We anticipate commencing construction on brownfield developments in the third quarter of this year.
“For greenfield projects, deep seaports such as Ibom Port, Bakasi Port, Olokola, Ondo Port, and Badagry Port in Lagos have received Federal Executive Council approval.
“These new ports are a priority for the government, and construction is expected to begin soon.”
Dantsoho further stated that 95 per cent of cargoes approved via the government’s National Single Window are ready for integration into the Port Community System.
He urged collaboration among government agencies to boost port efficiency, emphasising that improved port operations will drive progress across other sectors of the economy.
