From Premium Times Nigeria · Omotoyosi Idowu · · 3m
NPA to fix rail, logistics gaps at inland dry ports
Nigerian Ports Authority plans upgrades to address rail and logistics challenges at inland dry ports.
In brief
Nigerian Ports Authority plans upgrades to address rail and logistics challenges at inland dry ports. Nigerian Ports Authority will upgrade inland dry port infrastructure to handle increased cargo volumes and support maritime sector transformation. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
NPA meets stakeholders
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…
NPA leadership meeting
The meeting between NPA management led by Managing Director Abubakar Dantsoho and Executive Director of Dala Inland Dry Port Ahmad Rabiu, alongside Funtua Inland Dry Port representatives, took place at the NPA’s corporate headquarters in…
Operational oversight transfer
![Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, [PHOTO CREDIT: Nigerian Ports Authority on Facebook]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/10/716230728_18402984094159892_2837159792095527570_n.jpg?w=1040&ssl=1)
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, directed the transfer of operational oversight of inland dry ports to the NPA following the meeting.
Infrastructure upgrade needs
Mr Dantsoho stressed the need to upgrade inland dry port infrastructure and technical capacity to complement ongoing modernisation efforts at the nation’s seaports.
Cargo volume requirements
The facilities must be equipped to handle increasing cargo volumes and support the broader transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Digital integration
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…
Private sector investment
The NPA managing director called for increased private-sector investment in inland dry port infrastructure, citing APM Terminals’ establishment of an Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria as an example.
Operational oversight confirmation
Hassan Bello welcomed the transfer of operational oversight to the NPA, expressing appreciation for what he described as a seamless transition.
Rail connectivity 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.
Technical consultations
The meeting established a framework for further technical consultations, infrastructure integration and physical planning to identify requirements for improving operations at the facilities.
Planned facility visits
The NPA plans to visit Dala and Funtua inland dry ports to assess their operational conditions and infrastructure requirements.
Inland dry port challenges
Inland dry ports face inadequate rail connectivity and broader logistics constraints, which hinder their effectiveness in cargo distribution and trade facilitation.
Next steps
The NPA will conduct detailed technical assessments and physical inspections to establish infrastructure priorities and guide subsequent project development.
What happens next
The NPA aims to strengthen inland dry ports’ roles in cargo distribution, trade facilitation and the wider maritime logistics network through infrastructure upgrades.
In short
Nigerian Ports Authority will upgrade inland dry port infrastructure to handle increased cargo volumes and support maritime sector transformation.
