Clinton Okoro (APFFLON PRO, Tin Can Chapter)
Inland dry ports in Nigeria are almost dead. About 16 years ago, the idea of having inland dry ports in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria came up, but up till date all we hear is excuses by the Nigerian Shipper’s council, that state governments are not meeting up the agreement reached. But the main question is, is the federal government ready for these inland dry ports? First and foremost, the NSC needs to let both the federal and state governments understand that inland dry port is a serious way of generating revenue.
It’s based on the above understanding that the federal government will invest in railways for logistics and easy transportation of cargo to the inland dry ports, and send Nigeria Customs Service there for easy trade facilitation. Then the state governments contribute theirs by providing the space for the facility. The gains are enormous.
Festus Ukwu (National Secretary, NCMDLCA)
The Inland Dry Ports in the country are among one of the veritable avenues of creating and enhancing employment opportunities for our youths in the country. However, the government has not created enough enabling environment for it to thrive as a result of the excruciating and stifling economic policies. For example, there is supposed to be a good network of railway tracks and good roads across the six geopolitical zones in the country which are indices for a dry port to thrive. Government should come up with environmentally-friendly policies to assist the informal sector who are majorly owners of dry ports in the country.
Taiwo Fatomilola (National PRO AREFFN)
Inland ports are created to decongest the port and to make other places that are not having sea to be beneficiaries of such services. How many times have ships come to Nigeria seaports from September last year to date? How do you transfer what is not available to inland ports? Let the federal government and CBN address financial and monetary policies. Then other things will fall in line for the inland ports.
Rilwan Bello (Vice President, NAMTOP)
In my opinion, the four critical areas the government must invest in for the dry ports to perform optimally are: modern infrastructure, upgrade transportation networks, storage facilities, and cargo handling equipment to reduce congestion and increase capacity. Also, streamline Customs procedures, implement digitalized and automated Customs processes to reduce clearance times and increase the speed of cargo movement. The government should also enhance connectivity by improving road and rail links to the seaport and other major logistics hubs to facilitate seamless cargo transfer to the dry ports. There should be simplified and harmonized regulations, permits, and documentation requirements to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. By implementing these measures, the Nigerian government can significantly enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the inland dry port, making it an attractive hub for international trade and economic growth.
Bala Muhammed (General Secretary, AMATO)
Reviving inland dry ports in Nigeria requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses critical challenges across various fronts. Firstly, enhancing security measures is paramount to instill confidence among stakeholders and attract investment. This entails deploying adequate security personnel and implementing modern surveillance technologies to safeguard port facilities and cargo. Secondly, improving the road network infrastructure connecting inland dry ports to major economic centers is crucial. Investing in road construction and maintenance ensures efficient movement of goods to and from the ports, reducing transit times and costs for businesses. Also, developing a robust rail network linking inland dry ports to key industrial hubs is essential for enhancing intermodal transportation capabilities. This, not only promotes sustainable freight movement, but also alleviates pressure on congested road networks, thereby enhancing overall logistics efficiency.
Frank Obiekezie (National Secretary, AREFFN)
It is not different from other projects being implemented under this current government. The current government does not show much seriousness concerning issues like this. The fact remains that if they are to develop Inland Dry Ports, common and business sense may require that those of them far away from the seaports should be given priority, because that is where they are urgently required. The cost of handling goods closer to the seaports cannot be compared to those handling goods far away from the seaports.
Chief Raymond Gold (National PRO, WABOTAN)
The point is that if those Inland Dry Ports are functioning, it will help the backlog of goods not cleared at the major ports and are attracting demurrage will stop. It will also reduce the pressure on the roads causing wear and tear by trucks. When they function, they are better for the economy and better for the users. I feel strongly that the government should look at how things are being done and make those ports functional. They should put all necessary things in place to make it work.
