L-R- Managing Director/ CEO Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho received Executive Director, Dala Inland Dry Port, Mr. Hassan Bello at the NPA Headquarters in Lagos on Thu October 8, 2026.
By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s inland dry ports through improved infrastructure, digital integration and increased private sector investment.
The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, gave the assurance when he received 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.
The familiarisation visit followed a directive by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, transferring the operational oversight of inland dry ports to the NPA.
The meeting focused on improving port operations, strengthening institutional collaboration and promoting ease of doing business across Nigeria’s maritime logistics network.
Speaking during the engagement, Dantsoho stressed the need to align inland logistics infrastructure with ongoing modernisation efforts at the nation’s seaports, particularly the planned comprehensive upgrades of Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, supported by a $1 billion loan facility.
He noted that inland dry ports must improve their infrastructure and technical capacity to keep pace with developments at the seaports and accommodate increasing cargo volumes.
“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 added that the integration of digital platforms, including the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window, into seaport operations must be matched by modern equipment and improved technical capabilities at inland dry ports.
According to him, such improvements are necessary to strengthen cargo handling, facilitate trade and ensure that inland facilities operate efficiently within Nigeria’s broader port system.
Dantsoho also commended private sector initiatives aimed at improving logistics and export operations, citing the establishment of an Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria by APM Terminals.
He called for greater private sector participation in the development of inland dry ports, stressing that investment would be crucial to improving operational efficiency and expanding the capacity of the facilities.
The NPA managing director assured stakeholders that efforts to optimise Nigeria’s inland port system were at an early stage and disclosed plans to visit the Dala and Funtua inland dry port facilities.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Hassan Bello expressed appreciation for the transfer of operational oversight to the NPA.
Bello referenced the gazetted Port Act, which recognises inland dry ports as official ports of origin and destination, and highlighted operational challenges affecting hinterland facilities, particularly inadequate rail connectivity and broader logistics constraints.
The discussions also explored opportunities for technical consultation, infrastructure integration and coordinated planning to improve the performance of the inland dry ports.
Participants identified the need for further technical assessments, physical inspections and stakeholder consultations to evaluate infrastructure requirements, site conditions and access to essential logistics facilities.
The proposed follow-up engagements are expected to provide a clearer basis for planning and implementing measures to strengthen inland dry port operations and improve connectivity between Nigeria’s hinterland and seaports.
Tags: Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dala Inland Dry Port, Funtua Inland Dry Port, Abubakar Dantsoho, Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigerian Ports, Maritime Industry.
