The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with APM Terminals Apapa, has successfully resumed its Lagos-Ibadan cargo train service. On Thursday, 35 containers departed the Lagos Port container terminal for Moniya, Ibadan, in Oyo State, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rail freight operations.
The Managing Director of NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, announced that the train will now operate on a regular schedule, with trips scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Each train will carry 35 wagons, with a mix of 35 by 40ft or 70 by 20ft containers, providing a robust solution for the transportation of goods between Lagos and the hinterland.
“We are pleased to re-launch the Lagos-Ibadan cargo train service on the standard gauge rail,” said Dr. Opeifa. “This service is expected to ease the movement of goods, reduce congestion at the ports, and offer a more efficient alternative to road transport, especially as it caters to the growing trade needs of businesses in the region.”
Freight services along the Lagos-Ibadan corridor first commenced in September 2023. Since then, logistics companies such as Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics have been utilizing the rail route to transport goods, providing a practical solution to the challenges of road transportation.
Dr. Opeifa also highlighted the ongoing expansion efforts, with two additional lines currently under construction in the APM Terminals facility, which will further increase capacity on the standard gauge rail corridor. The Nigerian government has committed to continuing the revitalization and modernization of the railway sector, with a focus on improving trade efficiency and reducing logistics costs.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Ukeyima Akutah, praised the initiative as a significant step toward decongesting port terminals and improving trade logistics. “Rail transport is not only the cheapest option, but it is also the safest,” Akutah stated. “We are confident that this partnership between NRC and APM Terminals will benefit the entire trade ecosystem.”
Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals, emphasized the improvements made to the service, including a new, structured timetable that allows businesses to plan shipments with greater predictability. Previously, trains operated on an ad-hoc basis, departing only when fully loaded. The new schedule provides businesses with more consistent service.
Clearing agents also expressed optimism about the relaunch. Dr. Kayode Farinto, a former president of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, noted that the elimination of double-handling charges would encourage more importers to use the rail service. In the past, importers faced additional costs for handling cargoes at both the port terminal and NRC.
“With the terminal operator now also managing the rail evacuation, we expect importers to embrace this service more willingly,” Farinto said. “The faster and more efficient rail transport, coupled with the removal of double-handling charges, will undoubtedly boost trade and reduce the strain on road infrastructure.”
As the Lagos-Ibadan cargo train service continues to expand, it is poised to become an integral part of Nigeria’s trade and logistics infrastructure, offering a cost-effective and sustainable solution for moving goods between the port and the hinterland.
