By Chibuzor Alli
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the Nigerian Ports Authority to deepen its engagement with the organised private sector, saying closer cooperation could improve trade efficiency, strengthen supply chains and open up new investment opportunities.
The Chamber said businesses across the country depend heavily on the performance of Nigeria’s ports, making stronger communication between maritime authorities and the business community essential to improving the trading environment.
The Director-General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, made the call at the NPA Day held on the sidelines of the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair in Abuja.
The event was themed, ‘Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy.’
Jideani said closer engagement between the NPA and businesses “was critical to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade.”
He said the performance of the country’s ports had a direct effect on a wide range of businesses, particularly those involved in importing, exporting, manufacturing, distribution and logistics.
“The efficiency, accessibility and competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports have direct implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, logistics operators, retailers and numerous other businesses across our sectoral groups,” he said.
According to Jideani, ACCI was particularly interested in connecting businesses in the Federal Capital Territory to opportunities within Nigeria’s broader trade and investment ecosystem.
He said the Chamber could create platforms where businesses would communicate their operational experiences and challenges directly to the NPA, while the port authority could use the same channels to explain its procedures, trade facilitation measures and opportunities in the maritime sector.
ACCI seeks regular business-NPA dialogue
Jideani said the NPA’s participation in the Abuja International Trade Fair provided an opportunity to move beyond exhibition and establish more direct engagement with businesses.
“We therefore commend the NPA for participating in this year’s Abuja International Trade Fair and for using the NPA Day to engage directly with the organised private sector. We see this participation not merely as an exhibition opportunity, but as an important platform for dialogue, stakeholder engagement and partnership,” Jideani said.
He said ACCI was prepared to sustain the relationship through policy discussions, business forums, sensitisation programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
“ACCI remains ready to work with the NPA through policy dialogues, business forums, sensitisation programmes, capacity-building initiatives and other mutually beneficial engagements that can contribute to more efficient trade and stronger economic linkages,” Jideani stated.
The ACCI director-general said such collaboration had become increasingly important as businesses sought better market access, more reliable supply chains and conditions that would encourage trade and investment.
Abuja trade fair links businesses with institutions
Jideani said the Abuja International Trade Fair remained an important platform for bringing together businesses and institutions that influence Nigeria’s economic development.
He noted that the fair provided opportunities for businesses to connect with government agencies, investors, financial institutions, diplomatic missions and development partners while exploring markets and discussing challenges affecting the economy.
“The AITF is a practical expression of this mandate. It brings together businesses, investors, government agencies, diplomatic missions, financial institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to showcase products and services, establish business connections, explore markets and discuss issues affecting the economy,” he said.
He added that the need for closer cooperation between the private sector and institutions such as the NPA was particularly important to improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in domestic and international trade.
“As we celebrate the 21st edition under the theme ‘Resilience, Trade, Taxation and the Economy,’ we recognise that stronger collaboration between institutions such as the NPA and the organised private sector is essential to improving the ease of doing business, strengthening supply chains and enhancing Nigeria’s participation in domestic, regional and international trade,” he said.
Jideani said ACCI expected the relationship with the NPA to develop into a sustained partnership capable of supporting businesses and creating new opportunities.
“We look forward to building an even stronger and more sustained partnership that will support businesses, facilitate trade, create opportunities, and contribute to the growth and competitiveness of the Nigerian economy,” he said.
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