The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with APM Terminals (APMT), has officially launched container transportation via the standard gauge railway from Apapa Port, Lagos, to Moniya Freight Yard in Ibadan, Oyo State, in southwest Nigeria.
The landmark event, held at Apapa Port in Lagos, was presided over by NRC’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kayode Opeifa. The initiative aims to enhance cargo movement, decongest ports, and improve logistics efficiency by leveraging the railway system for freight transportation.
This development is expected to boost trade, reduce road traffic congestion, and strengthen Nigeria’s intermodal transport infrastructure.
During the flag-off exercise, Dr Opeifa said the commencement of standard gauge container traffic marks a significant improvement in efficiency, with increased capacity and smoother logistics operations.
The NRC helmsman who reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to modernising Nigeria’s rail infrastructure under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasised that efficient rail services are crucial to reducing the cost of goods, improving the standard of living, and addressing economic challenges.
He highlighted the long-standing relationship between NRC and APMT in facilitating container movement across Nigeria, particularly to inland locations like Kaduna and Kano. However, these operations were traditionally conducted on the narrow gauge network.
“This milestone event signifies the expansion of container traffic on the standard gauge rail line from APMT Terminal to Moniya Freight Yard. It will enhance import and export activities, providing a more efficient and convenient mode of transportation.
“The container train service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with each trip capable of transporting 35 waggons of 40-foot containers or 70 waggons of 20-foot containers. In 2024 alone, NRC recorded the movement of 362,327 tonnes of imported and exported containers via both the narrow and standard gauge systems,“ Dr Opeifa added.
The management of APMT, led by Mr. Fredrik Klinke, commended NRC for its dedication to improving rail services and pledged continued collaboration to enhance freight logistics. With the addition of two more standard gauge lines nearing completion at APMT, the partnership is set to further revolutionise Nigeria’s cargo transport sector.
Industry stakeholders, government officials, trade union representatives, and members of the press attended the ceremony, underscoring the significance of this development in Nigeria’s transportation and logistics industry.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of APM Terminals Apapa, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, highlighted the improvements made to the service since its initial introduction in just September 2023.
She stated that the new schedule ensures trains depart three times a week—Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—providing businesses with greater predictability and efficiency.
“Unlike the previous system, where trains departed only when fully loaded, the structured timetable allows customers to plan shipments. Additionally, payments for the service have been streamlined, with customers now paying exclusively to APM Terminals Apapa, which will facilitate transactions with all relevant stakeholders.”
“The relaunch comes at a crucial time, as traffic congestion in Apapa continues to drive up road transport costs. By offering a cost-effective and time-saving alternative, the rail service aims to support Nigeria’s trade and export sector, particularly benefiting agricultural producers and perishable goods exporters,” Aubert-Adewuyi averred.
The Chief Commercial Officer expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Railway Corporation, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the Nigeria Customs Service for their collaboration, emphasising that the improved rail service aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda to diversify the economy and boost exports.
She noted that, with this relaunch, stakeholders anticipate smoother cargo movement, reduced dependence on road transport, and an overall boost to Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure.
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