In what stakeholders have called a “monumental leap” for Nigeria’s export ambitions, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has given the official seal of approval to the NAHCO Export Processing and Packaging Centre (NEPPC) — a strategic export facility built to handle Nigeria’s increasing output of agricultural goods and solid commodities.
This development is being hailed as a critical step in the country’s long-term economic diversification agenda, especially as Nigeria accelerates efforts to reduce its dependence on crude oil revenue and embrace the full potential of its agrarian wealth.
✅ Here’s What NAHCO’s Customs Approval Means for Nigeria
The newly approved and operational NAHCO export center—located within Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos—has been fitted with modern cold storage equipment, high-efficiency packaging units, and digital logistics systems tailored to fast-track Nigerian goods straight to Europe, Asia, and North America.
According to NAHCO Group Managing Director, Indranil Gupta,
“This approval from Customs isn’t just a stamp — it’s a signal to the world that Nigeria is ready to export quality, in bulk, and on time.”
The export hub is expected to enhance the export of perishable and non-perishable products, particularly agricultural produce like cocoa beans, sesame seeds, shea butter, hibiscus flowers, cashew nuts, and much more.
📈 Economic Diversification in Action
For years, policy architects and trade experts have stressed the urgent need for diversification. The NAHCO approval sits at the heart of that agenda.
“This is about more than agriculture — it’s about creating a sustainable, export-driven economy that serves the Nigerian people.”
— Dr. Hadiza Bala-Usman, Executive Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, efforts have intensified to support local farmers and agro-processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and create value chains that maximize Nigeria’s export potential.
With this customs-sanctioned facility in place, Nigeria inches closer to achieving its 2026 target to double non-oil export revenues, building on the $5.45 billion recorded in non-oil exports in 2024 — a 20.7% year-on-year growth, according to the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
🌎 Gateway to African and Global Trade
The approval could not have come at a better time, as Nigeria positions itself as a continental hub under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
With the NEPPC now fully integrated into NCS operations, exporters can enjoy a simplified customs process, reduced clearance delays, and value-added services that boost competitiveness on the global stage.
“Nigeria must export or perish. And we choose to export!”
— Niyi Adebayo, Former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment
NAHCO’s logistics infrastructure also connects seamlessly to international airlines and shipping lines, making air cargo exports faster, fresher, and more traceable.
📣 Quote of the Day
“Customs approval is not just about processes—it’s about progress. It signals that Nigeria is serious about feeding the world and earning its rightful place in global trade.”
— Comptroller-General Bashir Adeniyi, Nigeria Customs Service
With the green light from Customs, the NAHCO Export Processing Centre emerges as a symbol of how strategic partnerships can transform Nigeria’s economy from the ground up — starting with the soil, the farmer, the warehouse, and ending with international shelves and tables. The future holds bright promises. Jobs will be created. Foreign exchange revenues will grow. And faith in Nigeria’s export potential will reach new heights. Nigeria is no longer watching from the sidelines.
She is exporting. She is earning. She is rising. 🌍✨
