Maritime stakeholders harp on rail, green energy, digital reforms for effective smart ports in Nigeria
By Uzor Odigbo
The Managing Director of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited (ICNL), Omotayo Dada, has stressed that Nigeria cannot achieve a true smart port regime without fully integrating seaports with Inland Dry Ports through rail and cargo visibility systems.
Dada disclosed this during a panel session at the 6th JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting themed “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria.”
Speaking on the role of Inland Dry Ports in modern port operations, Dada noted that the Kaduna Inland Dry Port and Nigeria’s dry port system have moved beyond the planning stage to active operational capacity, contributing to trade facilitation across the country’s hinterland.
He revealed that the Kaduna Inland Dry Port handled about 9,850 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) within the past year, demonstrating growing utilization of inland cargo facilities.
He said, the Kaduna Inland Dry Port, built in 2015 and commissioned in 2018, remains Nigeria’s first fully operational Inland Dry Port, playing a vital role in decentralizing cargo movement and reducing pressure on Lagos seaports.
Dada emphasised that discussions about smart ports in Nigeria must go beyond technology deployment to include integrated logistics systems that align people, processes, and infrastructure.
“If we are having a smart port that has not successfully integrated the seaport to the Inland Dry Port through rail, through cargo visibility, then we have not started. From my point of view as an Inland Dry Port operator, that Inland Dry Port model is open for business. It depends on a lot of feedback from Lagos to bring trade to other parts of Nigeria.”
He explained that Inland Dry Ports have already begun shifting cargo traffic from coastal areas to inland regions, enabling traders to conduct business closer to their operational bases without frequent travel to Lagos.
Dada noted that effective rail connectivity between seaports and Inland Dry Ports, supported by digital cargo tracking and optimization systems, would significantly enhance Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
He further disclosed that the Inland Dry Port system has facilitated payments exceeding ₦9.5 trillion, underscoring its growing contribution to national trade and revenue generation.
Despite these achievements, he described the current utilization levels as far below the facility’s full capacity, calling for greater collaboration among stakeholders to maximize its potential.
A Master Mariner and former General Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, called for the inclusion of environmental sustainability and marine operational systems in Nigeria’s push towards smart port development.
The maritime expert urged stakeholders to adopt a dual approach that combines digital efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Ebubeogu recommended that the theme be amended to reflect “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports and Green Ports,” noting that ports of the future must embrace sustainable practices to address climate change challenges.
According to him, green port development aligns with global directives from international maritime bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) , which advocate the use of environmentally friendly technologies in port operations.
Ebubeogu explained that modern port equipment should be powered by low-emission or renewable energy sources, adding that within the next decade, ships calling at ports would increasingly be required to shut down onboard generators and connect to shore-based power systems powered by clean energy.
The maritime expert also stressed the need for seamless collaboration between port authorities and digital system operators to ensure the success of Nigeria’s National Single Window initiative.
Ebubeogu also drew attention to the importance of improving logistics infrastructure surrounding port locations, particularly roads within port corridors.
He explained that port logistics rings must remain free of traffic bottlenecks and supported by well-maintained access roads to ensure efficient cargo movement.
The Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) attributed recent increases in haulage rates to the rising cost of diesel, while outlining plans to modernise trucking operations to align with Nigeria’s transition to smart port systems.
Adesina Ajibola, who represented the Chairman of AMATO, Remi Ogungbemi, said current trucking charges are primarily survival-driven rather than profit-oriented. He explained that the high cost of diesel, currently around ₦2,000 per litre, has significantly influenced transport pricing across the maritime logistics chain.
He stated that if diesel prices fall to previous levels of about ₦960 to ₦1,000 per litre, trucking rates could return to a range of ₦200,000 to ₦300,000, which he described as survival-level pricing for operators.
Ajibola further noted that many truck owners have historically failed to adequately account for asset depreciation, maintenance costs, and operational risks, warning that neglecting such factors increases safety risks and accident potential within the transport sector.
He disclosed that AMATO began repositioning its operations about two to three years ago following engagements with key government agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, to prepare for the emergence of smart port systems.
He noted that the association identified several strategic projects designed to integrate trucking activities into a smarter maritime ecosystem and prevent congestion in emerging logistics hubs such as Inland Dry Ports.
The Dean of the School of Eloquence, Ubong Essien, emphasised the need for reliable power supply, telecommunications infrastructure, and cross-sector collaboration to support Nigeria’s transition to smart ports and a sustainable blue economy.
Drawing from recent experience, Essien cited operational challenges encountered during the institution’s attempt at the Longest Public Speaking Marathon Attempt by School of Eloquence, noting that unreliable digital infrastructure significantly affected post-event processes.
According to him, the institution relied heavily on internet systems to transmit video recordings during the marathon, yet continued to experience difficulties several days after the exercise due to weak connectivity.
Essien stressed that reliable electricity supply remains central to the success of smart port systems, urging greater involvement from power sector stakeholders such as the Eko Electricity Distribution Company and other energy providers.
He noted that without stable electricity, digital port operations, cargo processing systems, and smart logistics platforms would struggle to function effectively.
