NPA deepens bilateral ties with Belgium for increased port efficiency, trade volume growth

In preparation for the President Bola Tinubu administration’s National Single Window Project, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Leenknegt, on Tuesday, with the goal of leveraging the know-how of the Antwerp Port Community on port operational efficiency.

Persecondnews reports that the port of Antwerp is known in Africa as the maritime centre of Europe, owing to the numerous supply chain connections.

The synergy between maritime, logistics, and industrial activities creates a unique platform.

Of all the ports in North-West Europe, the Belgian Port of Antwerp has the highest direct services to West Africa.

The annual volume of West African freight in Antwerp amounts to almost 17 million tonnes, resulting in a market share of 31 percent.

Nigeria, with a volume of over 6 million metric tonnes, accounts for the largest part.

The meeting, which was held at the NPA’s headquarters in Marina, Lagos, was focused on Nigeria capitalizing on the experience and know-how of the Antwerp Port Community in the area of Port operational efficiency to add a fillip to the Authority’s effort at operationalizing the Port Community System (PCS) as quickly as possible in readiness for the forthcoming National Single Window Project of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

President Tinubu launched the National Single Window initiative, a transformative project that will propel the nation’s economy to new heights.

The initiative is another bold testament to the President’s commitment to breaking long-standing developmental barriers in advancing the progress, prosperity, and well-being of every Nigerian.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative at the State House, President Tinubu said the National Single Window is a game-changer that will revolutionize the way trade is conducted in the country, and with the Office of the President overseeing the steering committee that will drive the reform process forward.

Outlining the benefits of the initiative, the President stated that by simplifying government trade compliance through a digital platform, Nigeria will unlock the doors to economic prosperity, adding, “This initiative will link our ports, government agencies, and key stakeholders, creating a seamless and efficient system that will facilitate trade like never before.”

The President further explained that paperless trade alone is estimated to bring an annual economic benefit of around $2.7 billion, noting that countries like Singapore, South Korea, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia have already seen significant improvements in trade efficiency after implementing single window systems.