NPA Opens New Chapter, Brings Dala and Funtua Dry Port Executives into Fold

By Aminat Damilola, Assistant Editor

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Management, led by Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, hosted Dala Inland Dry Port Executive Director Mr. Ahmad Rabiu and representatives from Funtua Inland Dry Port at the NPA Corporate Headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

This familiarisation visit aligns with the directive from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to transfer operational oversight of Inland Dry Ports to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The high-level meeting aimed to streamline port operations, deepen institutional collaboration, and improve the Ease of Doing Business across Nigeria’s maritime logistics network.

Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Dantsoho emphasised the need to align hinterland logistics with ongoing seaport upgrades, particularly the $1 billion loan secured to modernize the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

“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,” Dr. Dantsoho stated.

“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.”

Citing APM Terminals’ Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria as a prime example, Dr. Dantsoho commended private sector efforts and called for more investment in the dry port ecosystem.

Emphasising that development of the inland port network is in its early stages, he announced upcoming official visits to the Dala Inland Port and Funtua Inland Port.

Speaking for the delegation, Mr. Hassan Bello thanked the NPA for the seamless transition of oversight.

He highlighted that under the gazetted Port Act, Inland Dry Ports are official ports of origin and destination.

However, he also noted critical operational challenges facing these hinterland hubs, particularly regarding rail connectivity and systemic logistics constraints.

The bilateral discussions established a framework for technical consultation, infrastructure integration and physical planning, and provided an opportunity to identify key considerations relating to infrastructure access, site conditions and project planning within the Dry port environment.

The matters raised underscore the need for further technical assessment and stakeholder coordination before final project decisions are made.

To build a clearer foundation for future project development, we will implement a structured follow-up process that includes physical inspections and technical reviews.