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By Fidelis Ugbomeh
Some stakeholders in transport logistics business have enjoined the present administration to continue with the railway modernization project by extending the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge railway line to other parts of the country, especially Kano and Port-Harcourt/Maiduguri so as to add more value to economic development of this country.
This is as Bueno Logistics Limited, the company handling logistics on behalf interested importers/exportees and Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), has so far evacuated more than four trench of 40 footer containers from A.P. Moller terminal at Apapa port by rail to Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State, while export goods and empty containers were returned from Moniya to A.P. Moller terminal by rail.
Speaking in a telephone chat with Daily Sun, Executive Director, Bueno Logistics Limited, Mazi Jetson Nwankwo, the company handling logistics on the standard gauge railway line from Lagos to Ibadan, said that, following the inaugural flag-off of container traffic on the standard gauge railway line by the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa’id Alkali, more than 4 trench of loaded containerized wagons have been evacuated from Lagos to Moniya.
He stated further that apart from evacuating containers from Apapa to Ibadan empty containers were also returned to the A.P Miller terminal during return trips from Ibadan while export goods were also evacuated from Moniya to A.P Moller terminal.
The executive director posited that the future plan is to move three freight trains of 30 containers per train daily from Apapa to Moniya.
Nwankwo, who was the former managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, said the evacuation of containers by rail will to a large extent reduce congestion associated with the port access roads, especially at Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports.
However, director, Operations, Bueno Logistic Limited, Mr. Paul Ndibe, said, on September 17, 2023, the Minister of Transportation, Sen. Sa’id Alkali, inaugurated the first goods train on standard gauge railway line from Lagos to Ibadan for onward transit by road to distributors and end users.
He posited that the evacuation of 40 footer containers by rail on behalf of British American Tobacco Company will surely add value but that it would add more to the value chain if the standard gauge railway line is extended to Kano and other parts of the country.
He noted that development of rail and water infrastructure will aid movement of imports/exports as well as raw materials to manufacturers and distributors in bulk at a cheaper and faster rate, thereby forcing down the current sporadic inflation that has affected pricing of commodities.
Ndibe stated further that since the inauguration of the commencement of freight service from Lagos to Ibadan by minister of transportation and completion of customs procedures/documentation by the importers, Bueno Logistics, in partnership with NRC, has facilitated evacuation of 40 footer containers from A.P. Moller terminal to Moniya in Oyo state.
According to him, “Currently, we are discussing with some importers and shippers with a view to identify their specific needs in terms of logistics by rail from Lagos to Ibadan as well as movement of such consignments by road to distributors and other end users”.
Corroborating, Lagos district manager, NRC, Engr. Augustine Arase, said that container traffic from Apapa to Moniya and back will soon be increased.
According to him, presently, after offloading imported goods at Obafemi Awolowo Railway Station at Moniya, export goods are also evacuated from Obafemi Awolowo Railway Station to Apapa Port for exportation to other countries.
Mr. Eric Umezurike, managing director, First Fit Nigeria Limited, in his remarks, said the ncredible accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the Nigerian railway industry and is a testament to the unwavering commitment and relentless efforts of everyone involved.
He also called for the extension of the standard gauge railway line to other terminals like ENL, Ports and Cargo, Greenview, Five Star Logistics and Ports Terminal Multipurpose Limited.
Umezurike, who is a freight forwarder, also advised other state governments to emulate Lagos State through partnership with the corporation so as to fulfill the plan to connect all state capitals by rail, especially now that railway has been removed from the exclusive to concurrent list by the National Assembly.
The station manager, Professor Wole Soyinka Railway Station, Akilo Akeem, noted that the successful movement of containers not only showcases the potential of rail transport system in Nigeria but also highlights the possibilities for enhanced efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability in the transportation of goods across the country.
He pointed out that it also signifies the beginning of a new era for the Nigerian railway industry, strengthening its position as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and improved connectivity. This milestone paves the way for enhanced trade opportunities, reduced congestion on roads, and a more sustainable mode of transportation.
