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NPA inaugurates first export processing terminal in Lagos
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has inaugurated the first export processing terminal, Diamond Star Export Processing Terminal in Lagos.
It was gathered that the terminal situated at Lilypond in Ijora, would ensure speedy and seamless processing of export cargoes accessing Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos.
The terminal would also serve as a pre-gate from where export goods would move directly into the port.
Speaking at the inauguration of the terminal, the Managing Director of NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, noted that the terminal would help to reduce wastage.
He said that the terminal would also reduce the rejection of Nigerian export goods and the time wasted before exports gained access to the ports.
According to him, 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 exports.
The NPA boss said the initiative was in line with the NPA’s commitment to the implementation of the National Action Plan on agro-export and the Federal Government’s desire to diversify the national economy from oil to non-oil export.
He noted that the NPA was also working to integrate the Central Bank of Nigeria’s NXP (Nigeria Export Proceed 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.
The managing director said that the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) had served as the technical partner of the NPA through the journey of setting up the terminals.
Bello-Koko, however, applauded the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for creating an export command.
He said that the NPA would work with the Customs’ Export Command to bring up seamless modalities that would govern export trade.
The Executive Director of the NEPC, Mr Ezra Yakusak, represented by Mr Haruna Ali, said the terminal would help to create more room to increase the volume of non-oil exports in Nigeria.
The Assistant Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (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, however, 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.
The Managing Director of Diamond Star Port and Terminals Ltd., Mr Olatunji Baale, said the company had the capability and competence to render prompt services to exporters and other stakeholders in the value chain.
Baale noted that there would be seamless delivery of export boxes and that the terminal was a one-stop-shop that houses all the government agencies in the export value chain.
He said that the terminal could handle about 50,000 boxes of export containers weekly and would help to grow Nigeria’s export trade by reducing the trade imbalance.
NPA inaugurates first export processing terminal in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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