The Nigerian Ports Authority or NPA has flagged off the first non-oil export processing (EssLibra) terminal in Ibeshe-Ikorodu, Lagos State.
This development is coming ahead of the official launch of the 10 certified Export Processing Terminals, spread across southwestern states of Lagos and Ogun.
While speaking at the facility, NPA’s managing director, Mohammed Bello Koko, implored all agencies involved in the export processing value chain to deploy adequate personnel to ensure efficiency and quick turnaround in the processing of export cargoes.
Koko, who commended the management of EssLibra terminal for the quality of facilities, noted that NPA is ready to remove all impediments against the handling of locally manufactured exports and agro-allied commodities.
He, therefore, charged the management of the terminal to resist the temptation to veer off export processing for which the facility was built as the aim is to have a one-stop-shop where all inspections, consolidations and stuffing of export-bound cargo will be conducted in a coordinated manner to eliminate delays.
“We took cognisance of local content in the certification process of this terminal, and this is why I expect the host community to take ownership of this terminal and support its operations in view of the multiplier benefits to the host community,” he said.
