FG Pushes Rail-Port Connectivity as NRC Boss Highlights Plan to Boost Nigeria’s Logistics System

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has stressed the urgent need to strengthen rail connections to Nigeria’s ports as part of efforts to improve the country’s freight and logistics system.

Speaking at the Quarterly Stakeholders Engagement organised by the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council, Opeifa noted that effective rail-port integration is essential for enhancing efficiency and reducing bottlenecks in cargo movement across the country.

According to a statement issued by the NRC’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, the initiative has gained federal backing, with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation already setting up a committee to oversee its implementation.

Opeifa explained that while Nigeria has made progress in developing deep-sea ports and reforming the maritime sector, the absence of reliable rail connectivity continues to limit the full benefits of these investments.

He acknowledged existing collaboration between the NRC and port authorities but pointed out that more work is needed to optimise cargo movement, particularly within Lagos and along the eastern port corridor.

The NRC boss highlighted ongoing challenges affecting seamless transportation of goods between ports via rail, calling for targeted interventions to improve efficiency and minimise delays.

He emphasised that a shift toward rail-based freight transportation is key to achieving a more cost-effective and dependable logistics system, capable of supporting economic growth.

Providing updates on infrastructure development, Opeifa revealed that the Kaduna–Kano rail project is nearing completion. He also outlined several federal government plans aimed at linking major rail lines directly to key ports across the country.

These include extending the Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge rail line to Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, connecting the Warri-Itakpe rail line to Warri Port, and linking the eastern narrow gauge network to Port Harcourt Port at Onne.

He further disclosed plans to connect the Lagos–Kano rail corridor to Baro Port, as well as a proposed rail line for the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is expected to pass through Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu before linking up with the Lagos–Ibadan line.

Opeifa stressed that integrating all ports with the rail network would significantly improve cargo evacuation, reduce congestion, and boost trade across the country.

He also called on stakeholders, including transport operators, to support the initiative, noting that road transport will still play a complementary role in moving goods between farms, freight yards, and final destinations.

In addition, he highlighted the need to expand freight yard infrastructure across both narrow and standard gauge lines to increase cargo handling capacity and enhance overall efficiency.

The proposed reforms, he said, represent a strategic step toward building a more integrated transport system that can support Nigeria’s economic development.