The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has finalised arrangements with APM Terminals to expand cargo transportation from Apapa Port, Lagos, to the NRC freight yard in Moniya, Ibadan.
This development was announced following a meeting between the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, who was accompanied by the Director of Operations, Mr Akin Osinowo. Representing APM Terminals were the CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, and the Chief Commercial Officer, Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi.
The CEO of APM Terminals emphasised the company's position as a leading transporter of container freight in the country and a major partner to the Nigerian Railway Corporation. He also highlighted Nigeria's strategic advantage, being surrounded by several landlocked neighbouring countries, which presents an opportunity to serve as a hub for the importation of containerised goods. APM Terminals assured the NRC of greater efficiency in cargo turnaround at the port and the expansion of rail use for cargo evacuation and export through its terminals.
The MD of NRC expressed appreciation for APM Terminals' close partnership with NRC, which goes back decades. He stated, "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 APMT but all customers who intend to do business with Railways."
The NRC is focused on prioritising customer satisfaction by improving customer experience and ensuring that services are reliable, efficient, safe, and sustainable. He added that all key stakeholders, including the media, will be deployed extensively to encourage greater use of the rail system.
He reiterated his commitment, as stated in his inaugural speech, to "prioritising customer satisfaction by enhancing customer experience and ensuring that our services are reliable, efficient, safe, and sustainable." He further emphasised that all key stakeholders, including the media, will play a crucial role in promoting greater use of the rail system.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the cost of goods and services, while also boosting the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by enhancing food security. It aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
