The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring smooth rail transportation of containers from Apapa Port to Kaduna and Kano.
This assurance was given by the NRC Managing Director, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, during a meeting with the management team of Inland Containers Nigeria Ltd. (ICNL), led by its Managing Director, Omotayo Dada, in Lagos.
Dr. Opeifa emphasized the NRC’s dedication to partnering with major logistics providers for the efficient movement of large cargo across the country. He highlighted the corporation’s successful collaboration with APM Terminals in facilitating container transportation from Apapa to the Inland Dry Port in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The NRC will continue to develop tailored solutions for companies looking to utilize rail transport for their cargo.
With our partnership with ICNL, we anticipate transporting an additional 50 to 100 containers daily from Lagos to Kano via Apapa, Ijoko, Ilorin, Minna, and Kaduna,” Opeifa stated.
Supporting this commitment, the NRC’s Director of Operations and Commercial, Mr. Akin Osinowo, described ICNL as a long-standing and valued customer of the corporation. He acknowledged past challenges that had disrupted cargo movement, particularly on the narrow-gauge rail network.
However, he reassured stakeholders that issues such as security threats between Minna and Kaduna and damaged rail tracks were actively being addressed through engineering interventions and federal government initiatives.
Osinowo also revealed that the NRC was engaging with major manufacturers, including Dangote Group and BUA, to explore further logistics partnerships. In addition, the corporation remains committed to serving Lafarge Africa by transporting cement consignments from Ewekoro to Osogbo and Ilorin, thereby strengthening its rail haulage operations.
Both the NRC and ICNL expressed their commitment to continued collaboration, outlining plans for the swift commencement of container freight services to Kaduna and Kano via the western rail line.
