The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has moved to deal with 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, Abubakar Dantsoho, and the Executive Director of Dala Inland Dry Port, Ahmad Rabiu, alongside representatives of Funtua Inland Dry Port, at the authority’s company headquarters in Marina, Lagos.
The engagement got here after the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, directed the switch of operational oversight of inland dry ports to the NPA.
The discussions targeted on strengthening institutional collaboration, addressing infrastructure constraints and enhancing operational effectivity throughout Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.
Speaking in the course of the assembly, Mr Dantsoho harassed the necessity to improve inland dry port infrastructure and technical capability to complement ongoing modernisation efforts at the nation’s seaports.
He stated the services should be geared up to deal with rising cargo volumes and assist 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,” Mr Dantsoho stated.
He defined that the combination of digital platforms, together with the Port Community System (PCS) and the National Single Window, into seaport operations should be matched by corresponding enhancements at inland dry ports.
“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,” he added.
Increased private-sector funding
The NPA managing director additionally known as for elevated private-sector funding in inland dry port infrastructure, noting that stronger funding can be essential to enhancing cargo dealing with capability and operational effectivity.
He cited APM Terminals’ institution of an Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria for example of private-sector participation within the growth of inland logistics infrastructure.
ALSO READ: INVESTIGATION: Ganduje embroiled in multi-billion naira Kano dry port ownership scandal
Mr Dantsoho assured stakeholders that efforts to optimise the inland port system had been underway and confirmed plans to go to the Dala and Funtua services to assess their operational situations and infrastructure necessities.
Operational oversight
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hassan Bello welcomed the switch of operational oversight to the NPA, expressing appreciation for what he described as a seamless transition.
Mr 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 essential element of inland dry port operations, as environment friendly connections to the nationwide rail community can facilitate cargo motion between seaports and inland locations, probably lowering strain on highway transport and reducing logistics prices.
The assembly additionally established a framework for additional technical consultations, infrastructure integration and bodily planning to establish the necessities for enhancing operations at the services.
The discussions highlighted the necessity for detailed technical assessments, stakeholder coordination and bodily inspections to set up infrastructure priorities and information subsequent venture growth.
The deliberate visits to Dala and Funtua inland dry ports are anticipated to present NPA with a clearer understanding of the services’ operational challenges and the interventions required to strengthen their roles in cargo distribution, commerce facilitation and wider maritime logistics community.
Discover extra from Premium Times Nigeria
Subscribe to get the most recent posts despatched to your e mail.
