The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC has revealed that the non-oil export sector in 2022 recorded a significant growth of 4.820 billion dollars representing an increase of 39.91% over 2021.
The Executive Director/CEO of NEC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak disclosed this while speaking on the recently commissioned Lekki Deep Sea Port by President Muhammadu Buhari in Lagos state South West Nigeria.
He stated that the Sea Port is expected to boost the country’s non-oil revenue noting that this will not only provide jobs, directly and indirectly along the value chain but will further ease the perennial congestion at the Apapa Ports and enhance the export drive of the country as well as guarantee seamless trade facilitation.
According to Dr Yakusak, “Having been designated a Customs port, all is now set for commercial vessels from across the world to berth and clear cargo at the port which is reported to be the country’s first Deep Sea Port and first fully automated as well.”
He explained that the Lekki deep sea port which is domiciled within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, LFTZ would further create an enabling environment for business and commercial activities to thrive particularly for the export of Nigerian products as it would play a strategic role in promoting international trade and sustainable economic growth for the country.
“The commissioning of the Lekki Deep Seaport is strategic and very key to the development and promotion of export trade. Indeed, it will ease the supply chain constraints and enhance logistics given the vital role of logistics in facilitating the transportation of goods to the international market. It is also a major source of foreign exchange earnings,” he said.
The NEPC boss pointed out that about 214 different products ranging from manufactured, semi-processed, solid minerals to raw agricultural products were exported in 2022 while 19 Exit Points were used with Apapa Port recording the highest tonnage of exports.
He commended the President for providing the political will to execute the project in collaboration with other stakeholders.
Confidence Okwuchi
