The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with APM Terminals, has officially launched freight services to transport cargo from Apapa Port in Lagos to the NRC’s Moniya freight yard in Ibadan, Oyo State. The initiative, which began with a flag-off ceremony on Monday in Apapa, Lagos, marks a significant step in improving logistics efficiency and reducing congestion at the Apapa port.

During the event, NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa emphasized the corporation’s commitment to strengthening the rail system, stating that no effort would be spared to ensure its success. He highlighted the partnership’s goals, which include increasing rail transport capacity, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for cargo movement, and alleviating pressure on the Apapa port.

The freight service will operate three times weekly—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—with each trip capable of carrying 35 wagons. These wagons can accommodate either 35 by 40ft containers, 70 by 20ft containers, or a combination of both. Opeifa noted that the collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between NRC and APM Terminals, which has previously focused on narrow-gauge rail services to destinations like Kaduna and Kano.

The standard-gauge rail service for container movement between APM Terminals and the Moniya freight yard in Ibadan began in September 2023, with companies such as Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics among the early adopters. Opeifa also revealed that two additional rail lines within the APMT standard-gauge corridor are nearing completion, which will expand the total number of lines to three, further enhancing operational capacity.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve cargo transportation efficiency, reduce road congestion, and support economic growth by providing a reliable and sustainable rail freight solution.