NRC Advocates Enhanced Rail-Port Integration for Logistics Efficiency
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has intensified its advocacy for deeper integration between the nation's rail and port systems, aiming to enhance freight movement and fortify Nigeria's logistics value chain. Speaking at the quarterly stakeholders' engagement of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), the Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, emphasized that ongoing reforms in the maritime sector and investments in deep seaports may yield limited results without efficient rail connectivity.
Addressing Bottlenecks and Optimizing Cargo Movement
Opeifa acknowledged existing collaboration between the railway corporation and port authorities but stressed that more work is necessary to fully optimize cargo movement, particularly from Lagos ports and across the eastern corridor to other parts of the country. He highlighted persistent bottlenecks in rail-based cargo evacuation and called for deliberate measures to improve operational efficiency. According to him, enhancing freight movement through rail remains critical to building a reliable and cost-effective transport system.
Infrastructure Updates and Strategic Projects
Providing updates on infrastructure, the NRC boss disclosed that the Kaduna-Kano rail project is nearing completion. He outlined federal government-approved initiatives to link major rail lines directly to key ports, including the extension of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge from Apapa to Tin Can Island Port, and connections from Warri-Itakpe to Warri Port, as well as Port Harcourt Port in Onne. Plans are also in place to connect the Lagos-Kano corridor to Baro Port on the narrow gauge, reinforcing the government's commitment to a nationwide integrated freight network.
Future Expansion and Stakeholder Collaboration
Opeifa emphasized that connecting all ports by rail remains a strategic pathway to economic growth, urging stakeholders—including truck operators—not to undermine the initiative but to complement it by facilitating last-mile delivery of goods. He disclosed plans for a new rail line to service the Lekki Deep Sea Port, passing through Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, and Kajola, where it will link with the Lagos-Ibadan corridor, with the project expected to commence soon. Additionally, he called for increased development of freight yards across both narrow and standard gauge lines to improve cargo handling capacity nationwide.
High-Speed Rail and Private Sector Involvement
On future expansion, Opeifa revealed federal government interest in high-speed rail development through private sector participation, noting that a committee has already been set up by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to drive this initiative. The engagement brought together key stakeholders from the rail and maritime sectors to align strategies, strengthen partnerships, and chart a path toward a more integrated and efficient transport system in Nigeria.
