By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has called for improved rail connectivity to seaports as part of efforts to enhance efficiency in Nigeria’s freight and logistics system.
The Managing Director of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, made the call in a statement issued in Lagos, warning that ongoing maritime reforms and investments in deep seaports would yield limited benefits without a robust rail transport network.
Speaking at a meeting of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council, Opeifa acknowledged growing collaboration between the NRC and port authorities, noting progress achieved under the administration of Bola Tinubu.
However, he stressed that more needs to be done to optimise cargo movement from ports, particularly in Lagos and along the eastern corridor, where inefficiencies continue to affect operations.
“Optimising port operations through a revolution of freight by rail is critical to achieving a more reliable and cost-effective system,” Opeifa said.
He highlighted ongoing and planned infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening rail-port integration, including the extension of the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge to Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port.
According to him, the central corridor will see the Warri–Itakpe Railway linked to Warri Port to improve cargo evacuation, while eastern routes will connect Port Harcourt Port at Onne.
He added that the Lagos–Kano rail line would be connected to Baro Port, enhancing inland waterway and rail integration.
Opeifa further disclosed that a new rail line linking Lekki Deep Sea Port through Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu to Kajola is expected to commence this year, significantly boosting logistics operations in the region.
The NRC boss emphasised that connecting all ports by rail would not only reduce congestion but also lower transportation costs and improve overall economic productivity.
He urged stakeholders, particularly truck operators, to support the initiative, noting their continued importance in last-mile delivery and the movement of goods from farms to ports.
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Opeifa also called for the establishment of more freight yards across both narrow and standard gauge lines to enhance cargo handling capacity.
He disclosed that the Federal Government is pursuing high-speed rail development through private sector participation, adding that a committee constituted by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been tasked with driving the implementation of the initiative.
He maintained that a fully integrated rail-port system is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s trade potential and achieving a more efficient logistics ecosystem.
