The Managing Director of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL), Omotayo Philip Dada, has emphasized the need for stronger integration between the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), seaports, and inland dry ports, supported by reliable rail connectivity. This, he believes, is crucial for reducing logistics costs and improving cargo movement across Nigeria. Dada, who operates the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP), highlights that seamless rail services and through Bills of Lading would make inland ports more efficient, strengthening trade, exports, and economic activities in the hinterland.
Dada became ICNL's MD in 2024, succeeding Ismail Yusuf. His immediate priority is to ensure continuity with transformation, building on the company's strengths while evolving to meet new challenges. This involves strengthening operational excellence, customer service, and repositioning ICNL as a more integrated logistics company. The company is also focusing on the commercial development of KIDP and exploring northern Nigeria's trade and export potential.
The federal government recently directed that Inland Dry Port functions be transferred from the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) to the NPA. Dada welcomes this development, seeing it as an opportunity to build on the progress made so far. He expects closer integration with the NPA to create new opportunities, including stronger relationships with shipping lines, more effective through Bills of Lading, and reliable rail connectivity.
Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Nigeria's first fully operational dry port, handles a predominantly containerized import cargo base, with warehousing, cargo-clearance processes, haulage, and other logistics services. The port is also developing its export side, focusing on agricultural commodities and processed products from Northern Nigeria. Dada emphasizes that unlocking the port's capacity and economic potential requires continued progress in rail connectivity, shipping-line participation, and seamless documentation.
High road-haulage costs from Lagos to the North have long been a challenge for importers and ICNL. Dada stresses that a reliable, regular rail container service from Apapa to Kaduna and Kano is crucial. A 50-100 TEU-per-day rail lift would significantly change the business landscape for customers and the naira. He believes that rail and road haulage should complement each other, not compete.
ICNL continues to strengthen customer engagement, export cargo development, shipping-line relationships, and operational readiness. The company is also exploring partnerships to increase KIDP's utilization. Dada is optimistic about the opportunities that closer integration with the NPA and a reliable rail service can create, ultimately making Nigeria's logistics system more efficient and competitive.
The success of Kaduna Inland Dry Port will be measured by its designation as a Port of Origin for exports and Port of Final Destination for imports being reflected in the everyday experience of customers. Dada believes that clear institutional responsibilities, strong collaboration among stakeholders, and a focus on efficiency and competitiveness can drive progress in Nigeria's logistics sector.
Key points
- Integration between NPA, seaports, and inland dry ports is crucial for reducing logistics costs and improving cargo movement.
- Reliable rail connectivity is essential for unlocking the capacity and economic potential of Kaduna Inland Dry Port.
- Closer collaboration among stakeholders can drive progress in Nigeria's logistics sector.
