By Seun Ibiyemi
The Sea Empowerment and Research Center (SEREC) has called for the integration of rail transport into Nigerian seaports, stressing that such a move is critical to improving maritime trade efficiency and driving national economic growth.
Head Researcher at SEREC, Mr. Eugene Nweke made the call on Monday in Abuja during an interview with journalists, where he highlighted major structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s intermodal transport system.
According to him, the country’s logistics framework remains largely inefficient, with over 90 per cent of cargo evacuation from ports being handled by road transport.
He noted that this heavy reliance on trucks has led to persistent port congestion, high logistics costs, infrastructure deterioration, and declining regional trade competitiveness.
Nweke explained that despite the presence of rail lines, inland waterways, and dry ports, the lack of effective rail integration has reduced the system to a largely monomodal structure.
“SEREC has identified these structural gaps and is proposing practical reforms to reposition Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West Africa,” he said.
He urged the government to mandate rail connectivity to all major seaports, incentivise barge operations, and activate as well as link inland dry ports to the broader logistics network.
The researcher further noted that Nigeria’s current transport structure undermines its maritime potential, with rail transport accounting for only about five per cent of cargo movement, while inland waterways contribute about seven per cent.
He added that the dominance of road transport, estimated at between 90 and 95 per cent, significantly raises the cost of doing business, inflates the prices of goods, and reduces the country’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.
Nweke also pointed to the growing issue of cargo diversion to neighbouring countries, attributing it to more efficient logistics systems in those ports, a development he said was costing Nigeria billions in lost revenue.
He emphasised that establishing an efficient intermodal transport system is vital for trade facilitation, economic development, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in regional commerce.
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The SEREC researcher further advocated the liberalisation of rail freight operations, implementation of a national single window system, and development of integrated logistics corridors across the country.
He warned that without urgent and coordinated reforms, inefficiencies in the system would persist, potentially eroding Nigeria’s status as a key trade hub in West Africa.
“A coordinated, multimodal transport framework is essential for sustainable economic growth and effective trade facilitation,” Nweke said.
