The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is moving to tackle rail connectivity and logistics challenges at inland dry ports following the transfer of their operational oversight to the authority.
NPA Managing Director, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this during a meeting in Lagos with representatives of Dala and Funtua inland dry ports, stressing the need to upgrade infrastructure, modernise cargo-handling equipment and attract private-sector investment.
He said inland facilities must match modernisation efforts at seaports, including the adoption of digital platforms such as the Port Community System and National Single Window, to improve cargo movement and operational efficiency.
Representatives of the dry ports welcomed the transition but highlighted inadequate rail connections and other logistics constraints affecting operations.
Dantsoho assured stakeholders of the NPA’s commitment to addressing the challenges and announced plans to visit the Dala and Funtua facilities to assess their infrastructure needs.
The initiative aims to strengthen inland cargo distribution, reduce pressure on road transport and improve efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime logistics network.