The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and APM Terminals Apapa have breathed new life into the Apapa-Ibadan standard gauge freight rail service, a move that promises to significantly alleviate the chronic congestion that has plagued the Lagos Port Complex for years. This relaunch, marked by a renewed commitment to a fixed schedule with departures on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, represents a crucial step towards modernising Nigeria’s logistics sector and unlocking its economic potential.
“This expansion facilitates seamless import and export operations by providing a structured and reliable alternative for container movement,” emphasised Kayode Opeifa, NRC Managing Director, at the launch ceremony. This sentiment echoes the growing need for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions in a nation grappling with the challenges of rapid economic growth and burgeoning trade volumes.
The renewed service, connecting the heart of Nigeria’s maritime trade at Apapa with the vibrant commercial hub of Ibadan, aims to revolutionise cargo movement. By offering a reliable and predictable schedule, the partners aim to address a major concern for shippers: the historical inconsistency in rail operations. “With our revamped service, we now offer a reliable and structured schedule, departing three times a week, ensuring efficient cargo movement from Apapa to Ibadan and back,” confirmed Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria. This predictability is crucial for businesses to effectively plan their logistics and minimise costly delays.
Beyond the immediate benefits of reduced congestion and improved cargo turnaround times, the re-energised rail service carries significant economic implications. The NRC boasts impressive figures, having moved 362,327 tons of containerised cargo in 2024 across both standard and narrow-gauge lines. This underscores the critical role of rail transport in supporting Nigeria’s burgeoning trade and contributing to national economic growth.
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Furthermore, the project aligns with a broader push towards sustainable transportation. By shifting cargo from heavily congested roads to the more environmentally friendly rail network, the initiative contributes to reduced emissions and improved air quality in urban centres. This commitment to sustainability is further reinforced by APM Terminals Nigeria’s focus on multimodal transport, integrating barge, road, and rail to optimise cargo handling and minimise environmental impact.
The Apapa-Ibadan rail service revival serves as a beacon of hope for a more efficient and integrated logistics sector in Nigeria. By leveraging the power of rail, the nation can unlock its full economic potential, enhance its competitiveness in global markets, and create a more sustainable future for its people. This is not merely a logistical improvement; it is a strategic investment in the nation’s economic prosperity.
