Oluchi Chibuzor
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has moved to handle rail connectivity and logistics challenges affecting inland dry ports as a part of efforts to combine the services into the nation’s port system and enhance cargo motion throughout the nation.
The transfer adopted a gathering between the NPA administration, 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, on the authority’s company headquarters in Marina, Lagos. The engagement got here after the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, directed the switch of operational oversight of inland dry ports to the NPA.
The discussions centered on strengthening institutional collaboration, addressing infrastructure constraints and enhancing operational effectivity throughout Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.
Speaking throughout the assembly, Dantsoho harassed the necessity to improve inland dry port infrastructure and technical capability to complement ongoing modernisation efforts on the nation’s seaports.
He stated the services have to be outfitted to deal with rising cargo volumes and help 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 stated.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Former Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Hassan Bello applauded the switch 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 vacation spot, whereas drawing consideration to challenges confronting the services, notably insufficient rail connectivity and broader logistics constraints.
Rail entry is a important element of inland dry port operations, as environment friendly connections to the nationwide rail community can facilitate cargo motion between seaports and inland locations, doubtlessly decreasing strain on street transport and decreasing logistics prices.
