The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in collaboration with APM Terminals, Apapa, on Monday resumed the Lagos-Ibadan cargo train with 35 containers departing the Lagos Port container terminal for Moniya in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Speaking during the re-launch of the cargo train on the standard gauge rail, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa disclosed that the service will run thrice weekly, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with each train trip carrying 35 wagons of 35 by 40ft or 35 wagons of 70 by 20ft containers or a mixture of both sizes.
Opeifa said: “Though, NRC and APM Terminals have a long history of doing business of container traffic to places in the hinterland of Nigeria such as; Kaduna, Kano, but it is mainly on the narrow gauge lines.
“However, container traffic movement by rail on the standard gauge in and out of APM Terminals to Moniya freight yard in Ibadan commenced on September 2023 with the likes of Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics blazing the trail among other customers using the single “transitional line” in APMT.
“Two additional lines are at an advanced stage of completion in APMT which will bring the total lines within the APMT standard gauge corridor to three lines.
“While this milestone event marks the commencement of container traffic expansion on the standard gauge rail Line from APMT Terminal to Moniya Ibadan Freight yard, this will facilitate the import and export of commodities with adequate convenience and hitch-free vehicle movement.
“The container traffic is scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with each train trip carrying 35 wagons of 35 by 40ft or 35 wagons of 70 by 20ft Containers or a mixture of both sizes. The record made available to us shows that NRC moved 362,327 tonnage of containers, import and export, in and out of APM Terminal both on the Standard and Narrow gauges in the year 2024.
“The Federal Government under the leadership of Mr President is fully committed to revitalisation and modernisation project of the Nigerian Railway Corporation for efficient rail system.
“As part of the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President, this is one of the surest ways to address the cost of goods, the standard of living and multi-dimensional poverty.”
Also speaking during the re-launch exercise, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, explained that the resumption of rail haulage will lead to the decongestion of the port terminals.
The NSC chief boss said: “You will recall that this time last year, the NSC and the NRC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to look into the possibility of developing a rail transport system to support trade.
“We at the NSC understand that rail transport happens to be the cheapest and safest when it comes to trade.
“I must commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing necessary support towards the development of infrastructure that supports trade facilitation.”
Speaking on behalf of APM Terminals, the terminal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi highlighted the improvements made to the service since its initial introduction in September 2023.
“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 in advance. 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 re-launch 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,” Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi stated.
One of APM Terminal customers, Mr Ayo Olunuga said everyone that has anything to do with import and export trade is excited at the prospects of the resumed cargo train service.
Olunuga who is the Managing Director of Transco Africa Logistics said operators have been expecting the resumption of cargo services for long, adding that all stakeholders must ensure that the initiative work.
