NRC seeks to optimize movement of freight by rail through stronger synergy

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

Ahead of plans to link Lekki, Tin-Can Island and Warri Seaports via standard gauge railway lines, Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has advocated for stronger collaboration with Nigerian Ports Authority in order to optimize evacuation of imports and exports in and out of Lagos and Eastern port corridors to other parts of the Country.

Managing director of NRC who dropped this hint while delivering a keynote address at the recently conclude Quarterly engagement of Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) said that maritime sector reforms and construction of deep seaports without efficient rail linkage will continue to yield marginal returns.

He stated further that based on approval granted Federal government the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway line will be extended from Apapa to Tin-Can Island port while Warri-Itakpe standard gauge will be linked to Warri port and Port-Harcourt narrow gauge connected to One port.

The NRC boss restated that “connecting all seaports by railways is a pathway to boosting the economy”.

As part of the expansion plan, he said Lekki deep seaport standard gauge railway line will be connected to Sagamu via Ijebu-Ode and link Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway line at Kajola in Ogun state before end of this year.

Opeifa highlighted persistent challenges currently faced in achieving seamless evacuation of cargoes between ports via railways, saying there must be deliberate efforts to improve operational efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.

“Optimizing port operations through revolution of freight by rail is critical to achieving a more reliable and cost effective freight system,” he said

Opeifa spoke about strategic relevance of interconnectivity among eastern region ports adding that plans are underway to construct new railway lines that will further enhance port operations and regional trade integration.

He also enjoined truck owners not to sabotage plans to link railway line to seaports adding that truckers still have a role to play in the movement of raw materials from the farmlands to seaports for export as well as imports from the seaports to the hinterland.

According to a statement issued by chief public relations officer of the corporation Callistus Uyimadu, the Federal government plans to introduce high speed trains and a committee has been constituted by Secretary to the Federal government to drive the process.