NPA pushes inland dry port modernisation

The Nigerian Ports Authority has stressed the need to upgrade inland dry port infrastructure and technical capacity to complement ongoing modernisation efforts at the nation’s seaports.

In a statement, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during a meeting with the Executive Director of Dala Inland Dry Port, Mr Ahmad Rabiu, and representatives of Funtua Inland Dry Port at the authority’s corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

Dantsoho also said that the authority had concluded plans 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.

“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.

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

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

According to Dantsoho, the NPA integrates digital systems such as the Port Community System and the National Single Window in the seaports.

“The dry ports must deploy modern equipment and advanced technical capabilities to handle larger cargo volumes and bigger vessels coming to our coast,” calling for increased private-sector investment in inland dry port infrastructure.

Dantsoho noted 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.

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Dantsoho assured stakeholders that measures were being taken to improve the efficiency of the inland port system, adding that he would visit the Dala and Funtua facilities to evaluate their operational status and infrastructure needs.

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 cited the gazetted Port Act, which designates inland dry ports as recognised ports of origin and destination, while highlighting the difficulties facing the facilities, especially poor rail links and wider logistics challenges.

“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,” Bello said.

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 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.

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.