The Nigerian Ports Authority ([NPA](https://www.nigerianportsauthority.gov.ng)) has pledged to tackle rail‑link deficiencies and logistics bottlenecks that hinder inland dry ports, aiming to fold these facilities into the national port network and boost cargo flow across the country.
What prompted the initiative?
The decision follows a high‑level meeting at the NPA’s corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos, where Managing Director Dr Abubakar Dantsoho met with Mr Ahmad Rabiu, Executive Director of Dala Inland Dry Port, and representatives from Funtua Inland Dry Port. The gathering came after the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adegboyega_Oyetola)), ordered that operational control of inland dry ports be handed to the NPA. Participants discussed ways to deepen institutional cooperation, resolve infrastructure shortfalls and raise operational efficiency throughout Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.
Key priorities outlined by the NPA chief
During the session, Dantsoho underscored the urgency of modernising inland‑dry‑port infrastructure and technical capacity to match the ongoing modernisation of seaports. He noted that facilities must be ready to accommodate rising 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.
Digital integration and equipment upgrades
He added that the rollout of digital platforms such as the Port Community System (PCS) ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Community_System)) and the National Single Window ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_window_(customs))) at seaports must be mirrored by comparable enhancements at inland sites. "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 explained.
Calling for private‑sector participation
The managing director also urged greater private‑sector investment in inland‑dry‑port infrastructure, arguing that such funding is vital for boosting cargo‑handling capacity and operational efficiency. He pointed to APM Terminals’ establishment of an Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria as a concrete example of private involvement in inland logistics ([APM Terminals](https://www.apmterminals.com)).
Next steps and on‑site assessments
Dantsoho assured stakeholders that optimisation efforts are already in motion and confirmed plans to visit the Dala and Funtua facilities to evaluate their current conditions and infrastructure needs.
Reactions from dry‑port officials
Representing the delegation, Hassan Bello welcomed the transfer of oversight to the NPA, praising what he called a seamless transition. He cited the gazetted Port Act, which recognises inland dry ports as official ports of origin and destination, while highlighting persistent challenges such as inadequate rail connectivity and broader logistics constraints.