Maritime operators have cited Nigeria’s foreign exchange crisis as a key factor in the delayed completion of four out of the seven inland dry ports approved by the Federal Executive Council in 2006. Initially intended to boost cargo handling capacity in inland regions, only three ports—in Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina—are operational. Former Kaduna Inland Dry Port Managing Director Rotimi Hassan highlighted that the dramatic increase in exchange rates has severely impacted the capital-intensive nature of these projects, with costs soaring far beyond initial projections.
The Nigerian Shippers Council’s August report confirmed that several of the planned dry ports are far from completion, with some under 10% finished. Stakeholders have also noted that initial misunderstandings about funding responsibilities contributed to delays. Private sector concessionaires were expected to finance and manage these ports, contrary to some operators’ expectations that the government would bear these costs. This realization, coupled with high-risk investment factors, has slowed down development across various sites.
Despite the challenges, maritime industry stakeholders see inland dry ports as valuable assets that could reduce seaport congestion and enhance economic activity inland. National Secretary of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria, Frank Obiekezie, emphasized the need for improved logistics and implementation strategies. To address transport-related issues, the Nigerian Shippers Council has partnered with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, aiming to improve rail connectivity and facilitate the efficient movement of goods from seaports to these dry ports.
