We want to lead with technology, says Connect Rail Services

Connect Rail Services Ltd, an indigenous freight firm, has unveiled plans of how it wants to lead with technology in the rail sector.

In an interview with journalists, Edeme Kelikume, chief executive officer of the firm, said it was established to provide “value innovative transportation solutions for containers and break bulk cargo” in the country.

Kelikume said Connect Rail Services is operating with three core objectives including being customers’ best choice.

“The first is about providing the highest quality to our customers: We want to offer our customers the best service at all times, at the highest level of quality and at reasonable prices,” he said.

“To this end, we are investing in acquiring new equipment to ensure efficiency at our operating terminals, we are also investing in our trucking capacity to ensure we can provide end-to end solutions at all times.

“The second front is to develop our capacity to lead with technology. The evolution of technology is pushing the boundaries and changing how the world does business and for us at Connect Rail, we want to be at the forefront of using technology to lead in this sector.

“From automation to internet of things, shipment tracking systems, enhanced GPS accuracy and predictive analytics and Uber-like delivery platforms, we want to be at the fore-front of adopting smart technologies to shape our business model and deliver value to our clients.

“Thirdly, we want to become synonymous with powering agro-commodities export. One of our objectives in the maritime sector is to support the federal government’s effort to diversify the economy from oil to non-oil exports.”

He also said the company’s operations at the Ikorodu lighter terminal has “significantly” helped in the challenges agro-commodities exporters have been facing moving their cargo as a result of the ports congestion in Apapa.

According to him, “our modest achievement so far can be attributed largely to a consistent focus on building our business despite the myriad challenges as well as continued support from the Leadership of the NPA and the Nigerian Railway Corporation.”