NPA moves to fix rail, logistics gaps at inland dry ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has moved to address rail connectivity and logistics challenges affecting inland dry ports as part of efforts to integrate the facilities into the nation’s port system and improve cargo movement across the country.

The move followed a meeting between the NPA management, led by its Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, and the Executive Director of Dala Inland Dry Port, Mr Ahmad Rabiu, alongside representatives of Funtua Inland Dry Port, at the authority’s corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos, recently.

The engagement came after the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, directed the transfer of operational oversight of inland dry ports to the NPA.

The discussions focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, addressing infrastructure constraints and improving operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.

Speaking during the meeting, Dantsoho stressed the need to upgrade inland dry port infrastructure and technical capacity to complement ongoing modernisation efforts at the nation’s seaports.

He said the facilities must be equipped to handle increasing cargo volumes and support the broader transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“For our Inland Dry Ports to function at the same velocity as the ongoing modernisation across our seaports, we must proactively upgrade dry port infrastructure and technical capacity,” Dantsoho said.

He explained that the integration of digital platforms, including the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window, into seaport operations must be matched by corresponding improvements at inland dry ports.

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“As we integrate digital systems such as the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window in our seaports, the dry ports must deploy modern equipment and advanced technical capabilities to handle larger cargo volumes and bigger vessels coming to our coast,” he added.

The NPA managing director also called for increased private-sector investment in inland dry port infrastructure, noting that stronger investment would be critical to improving cargo-handling capacity and operational efficiency.

He cited APM Terminals’ establishment of an Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria as an example of private-sector participation in the development of inland logistics infrastructure.

Dantsoho assured stakeholders that efforts to optimise the inland port system were under way and confirmed plans to visit the Dala and Funtua facilities to assess their operational conditions and infrastructure requirements.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hassan Bello welcomed the transfer of operational oversight to the NPA, expressing appreciation for what he described as a seamless transition.

Bello referenced the gazetted Port Act, which recognises inland dry ports as official ports of origin and destination, while drawing attention to challenges confronting the facilities, particularly inadequate rail connectivity and broader logistics constraints.

Rail access is a critical component of inland dry port operations, as efficient connections to the national rail network can facilitate cargo movement between seaports and inland destinations, potentially reducing pressure on road transport and lowering logistics costs.

The meeting also established a framework for further technical consultations, infrastructure integration and physical planning to identify the requirements for improving operations at the facilities.

The discussions highlighted the need for detailed technical assessments, stakeholder coordination and physical inspections to establish infrastructure priorities and guide subsequent project development.

The planned visits to the Dala and Funtua inland dry ports are expected to provide the NPA with a clearer understanding of the facilities’ operational challenges and the interventions required to strengthen their roles in cargo distribution, trade facilitation and Nigeria’s wider maritime logistics network.