NPA Begins Integration of Dala, Funtua Dry Ports After FG Transfers Oversight

By Stella Okocha

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced moves to fully integrate Inland Dry Ports into the nation’s seaport system following the transfer of their operational oversight to the Authority.

The Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this on Friday when he received the Executive Director of Dala Inland Dry Port, Mr. Ahmad Rabiu, and representatives of Funtua Inland Dry Port at the NPA headquarters in Marina, Lagos.

The familiarization visit comes on the heels of the strategic directive by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, transferring supervision of Inland Dry Ports from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to the NPA.

The meeting, according to the Authority, was aimed at streamlining port operations, deepening institutional collaboration and advancing Ease of Doing Business across Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Dantsoho said hinterland logistics must be aligned with ongoing upgrades at the seaports, particularly the $1 billion loan facility secured for the comprehensive modernisation of 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,” he said.

“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.”

The NPA boss commended private sector investments in the hinterland, citing APM Terminals’ Export Processing Terminal in Northern Nigeria, while calling for more private participation in the dry port ecosystem. He assured that “the journey toward an optimised inland port system is just beginning,” and confirmed plans to visit both Dala and Funtua facilities.

In his remarks, Mr. Hassan Bello, speaking on behalf of the delegation, appreciated the seamless transition of oversight to the NPA.

He referenced the gazetted Port Act which designates Inland Dry Ports as official ports of origin and destination, while highlighting critical challenges facing the hubs, particularly rail connectivity and systemic logistics constraints.

The meeting established a framework for technical consultation, infrastructure integration and physical planning, and provided an opportunity to identify key issues around infrastructure access, site conditions and project planning within the dry port environment.

The Authority said a structured follow-up process, supported by physical inspection and technical review, will help establish a clearer basis for subsequent project development.