The Nigerian Railway Corporation and APM Terminals have partnered to expand cargo movement from Apapa Port in Lagos to the NRC freight yard in Moniya, Ibadan.

This development was confirmed in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Public Relations at NRC, Yakub Mahmood on Thursday.

The statement partly read, “The Nigerian Railway Corporation has concluded arrangement with the management of APM Terminals to commence the expansion of cargo movement from Apapa port, Lagos, to Nigeria Railway Corporation freight yard in Moniya Ibadan.”

During the meeting between NRC’s management, led by Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, and APMT’s management, led by Chief Executive Officer Frederik Klinke, Kwlinke emphasised APMT’s role as the leading transporter of container freight in Nigeria and its strong partnership with NRC.

“This will translate into reductions in the cost of goods and services. It will also promote food security, which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Klinke said.

He further assured that NRC would ensure customer satisfaction.

“We are going to work for the satisfaction of not only the APMT but all customers who intend to do business with NRC,” Klinke stated.

He added that NRC would deliver reliable, efficient, safe, and sustainable services to enhance cargo transportation.

Opeifa called for greater adoption of railway transport to boost efficiency in cargo movement.

“APMT assures NRC of greater efficiency in turnaround of cargo at the port,” he said.

Opeifa also expressed appreciation for APMT’s long-standing collaboration with NRC and highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position as a regional trade hub.

“The CEO of APM Terminals emphasized APM’s position as the foremost transporter of container freight in the country and a major partner to Nigerian Railway Corporation. He also highlighted the strategic advantage Nigeria held, being surrounded by a number of landlocked neighbouring countries creating an opportunity to serve as a hub for the importation of containerized goods.

“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,” the statement read in parts.