Standard gauge: FG announces plan to connect ports by rail in Lagos

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

As part of efforts to enhance seamless evacuation of freight in and out of Lagos ports, the Federal Government has highlighted ongoing and planned railway infrastructure projects, including connection of existing standard gauge railway line from Apapa to Tin-Can Island port.

Managing director of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, who made this known while speaking at the BusinessDay Logistics and Mobility Conference, held recently in Lagos, reiterated that the extension is aimed at improving freight movement and strengthening links between the rail network and maritime facilities.

He also disclosed that Kano-Maradi railway line was expected to be completed in 2027, while work was ongoing on plans for a central railway corridor linking the Warri-Itakpe line to Abuja.

According to him, government also plans to commence construction of Marina-Lekki railway line, while efforts are underway to support the Kaduna-Kano inter-state train service and the Kano State Government’s proposed intra-state rail services.

He also outlined the corporation’s Vision 2:5:10:20, which focuses on optimising existing railway assets, restoring viable dormant corridors, expanding freight operations, strengthening private-sector partnerships and progressively extending the national rail network.

According to him, the corporation aims to expand the railway network from approximately 4,000 kilometres to 10,000 kilometres within five years, with a long-term target of about 20,000 kilometres.

Opeifa averre: “Our ambition is to consistently grow the networks from approximately 4,000 kilometres that we met, to 10,000 kilometres within five years and ultimately achieving about 20,000 kilometres over the long term,” adding that these are strategic targets that require sustained investment and implementation.

He explained further that immediate priorities include improving the utilisation of the country’s two legacy narrow-gauge lines and three standard-gauge lines, restoring operational capacity, expanding freight services and strengthening links between rail infrastructure, ports and inland terminals.

Opeifa said these measures would maximise the value of railway assets while laying the foundation for future network expansion.

He said the projects formed part of broader efforts to expand rail connectivity, improve passenger mobility and enhance the movement of goods across the country.

Opeifa, however, posited that Inefficiency in the country’s transportation network contribute to congestion, rising logistics costs, delayed deliveries, reduced productivity and higher prices of goods and services in the open market.

He advocated an integrated transportation and logistics system that supports production, trade and mobility as a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic resilience and competitiveness.

According to him, rail transportation occupies a strategic position in developing an efficient national transport network, adding that an integrated system with rail as a key component could translate improved connectivity into greater economic competitiveness and growth.

The NRC boss explained that rail offers high-capacity transportation for long-distance passenger and freight movement, reduces pressure on highways and strengthens connections among seaports, industrial clusters, inland terminals and urban centres.

He stressed that the different modes of transportation should complement one another rather than operate in competition.

“Rail should not be viewed as a competitor to road, maritime or air transportation, but each should continue to develop as complementary components of an effective integrated transport system,” Opeifa said.

He noted that while road transportation remains essential for cargo collection and last-mile delivery, maritime transport connects Nigeria to international trade, and inland terminals facilitate cargo handling and distribution while rail provides high-capacity link between these facilities and production and consumption centres.

Opeifa said seamless integration of various transport modes would help reduce avoidable logistics costs, promote regional commerce, improve access to markets and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian products.

Highlighting the corporation’s priorities since assuming office, Opeifa said the NRC’s track access policy provides opportunities for private investors to operate passenger and freight services along the country’s railway corridors.

He said these measures would maximise the value of existing railway assets while laying the foundation for future network expansion.

Director-general, Africa Centre for Supply Chain (ACSC), Dr. Obiora Madu, in his remarks, warned that small-scale operators would continue to face difficulties if Nigeria failed to achieve effective integration across its transportation and logistics networks.

He estimated that the country loses more than N3.6 trillion to inefficiencies and distortions in the transportation and logistics sector, arguing that a connected system would unlock opportunities across the industry.

“If we don’t get the logistics right, the small-scale businesses would not be optimised. We do not need digital islands, we do not need superlative infrastructure, what we need is connected systems,” he said.

He maintained that building a resilient logistics ecosystem should not focus solely on expanding individual components of the transport network but on improving coordination, connectivity and the capacity of the entire system to withstand disruptions.

Similarly, managing director of JanksMay Global Services Ltd., Ifeanyi Onwuachu, said significant infrastructure deficits continued to negatively affect small-scale operators in the logistics sector.

He noted that the challenges facing operators underscored the need for improved infrastructure and more efficient transport connections to support business operations.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of BusinessDay, Dr Innocent Nna, described the mobility and logistics conference as a platform for examining and addressing persistent gaps in Nigeria’s logistics sector.

He urged stakeholders to engage in frank discussions on the challenges confronting the country’s transportation and logistics systems and to identify practical solutions for improving efficiency across the sector.

The conference brought together industry stakeholders to examine strategies for developing a more integrated, efficient and resilient mobility and logistics ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and improving the competitiveness of Nigerian businesses.