NRC, APM Terminals partner to expand cargo freight services on Lagos-Ibadan route

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has finalised a deal with APM Terminals to expand cargo movement from Apapa port, to the NRC freight yard in Moniya, Ibadan.

In a statement on Thursday, Yakub Mahmood, NRC’s deputy director of public relations, said the partnership was made at a meeting between Kayode Opeifa, managing director of NRC, and APM Terminals delegates.

Mahmood said Akin Osinowo, the director of operations, represented Opeifa at the meeting, while Frederik Klinke, chief executive officer (CEO) of APM Terminals Nigeria, and Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, chief commercial officer (CCO) of APM Terminals Nigeria, led the APM Terminals delegates.

Klinke was said to have highlighted APM’s leading role as the foremost transporter of container freight in Nigeria and a key partner of the NRC.

“He also highlighted the strategic advantage Nigeria held, being surrounded by a number of landlocked neighbouring countries creating an opportunity to service as a hub for importation of containerized goods,” Mahmood said.

“APMT assured NRC of greater efficiency in turnround of cargo at the port and expansion of the use of rail for cargo evacuation and export through APM Terminals.”

Mahmood said Opeifa expressed gratitude for APM Terminals’ long-standing partnership with NRC, which has existed for decades.

“This business collaboration is going to be a win-win affair for both parties, as we are going to work for the satisfaction of not only the APMT but all customers who intend to do business with Railways,” the managing director was quoted as saying.

“Prioritizing customers satisfaction by improving customer experience and ensuring that our services are reliable, efficient, safe and sustainable.”

According to the statement, Opeifa further noted that all key stakeholders, including the media, will play a crucial role in encouraging greater use of the rail system, which will significantly reduce the cost of goods and services.

He added that increased rail usage will also boost the gross domestic product (GDP) by enhancing food security, aligning with the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu.

In September 2023, the federal government inaugurated the cargo movement on the single-gauge rail (SGR) from the Apapa port to Ibadan.