NPCC Advocates Tech Transfer For Nigeria’s Industrial And Export Growth

NPCC Advocates Tech Transfer For Nigeria’s Industrial And Export Growth

Chairman,NPCC,Mr.Bolaji Sunmola

By Frank Odinukaeze

The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has emphasized the critical need for technology transfer and specialized training to enhance the nation’s industrial sector.
In its latest recommendations, the NPCC highlighted the role of adopting advanced technologies in driving industrial development, boosting exports, and addressing Nigeria’s trade imbalance.

According to the council, prioritizing technology transfer will equip local industries with the tools needed to improve production quality, increase efficiency, and compete on a global scale. This initiative is expected to foster economic growth by creating opportunities for value-added exports, strengthening the nation’s export portfolio.
Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman of the NPCC,stated this while delivering a goodwill message at a Maritime and Logistics Breakfast Meeting organised by the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) on Tuesday.

At the event, Themed:”Improving the Competitiveness of the Nigerian Ports in an era of Regional Integration, Sunmola, observed that Nigeria’s industrial transformation requires leveraging advanced technologies and expertise from the UK to build capacity for economic development.

“The British manufacturing sector, contributing £217 billion to the UK economy, supported an estimated 2.6 million jobs and accounted for 45% of exports in 2023. This demonstrates the value of technology-driven growth. In the same year, the total value of UK manufacturers’ product sales stood at 456.1 billion pounds.

“Consequently, establishing technology hubs, innovation labs, and structured training programs in partnership with leading British companies will equip our workforce with essential skills for high-value production and export,” the NPCC boss said.

Meanwhile, he recognised the vital role of the Nigerian–British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) stressing that NPCC is open to collaboration to forge strategic alliances to drive economic diversification, technology transfer, and sustainable development.

He argued that outdated infrastructure and inefficiencies have sometimes led to cargo diversion to neighboring countries thereby increasing costs and diluting Nigeria’s competitive edge, Sunmola recommended upgrading Apapa, Tin Can Island, and Onne ports to enhance cargo handling, reduce turnaround times, and position the nation’s ports as regional trade hubs.

He said,”Digital transformation through integrated port community systems and a single-window clearance mechanism will streamline processes, improve transparency, and boost trade efficiency.

“Transforming our ports and industries requires collaboration between the public and private sectors. Public–private partnerships (PPPs) will mobilize investments for infrastructure upgrades and digitalization, while policy reforms must simplify regulations, streamline customs processes, and attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Our advocacy efforts will be essential in creating an enabling business environment”.

Sunmola posited that with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening new trade opportunities, Nigerian ports must evolve into regional gateways via infrastructure modernization, digitalization, and regulatory reforms that will enable seamless cross-border trade and attract international shipping lines.
By advocating for these measures, the NPCC aims to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global industrial market while fostering economic sustainability.