Sixty-six freight services were operated across both Standard Gauge and Narrow Gauge lines, transporting a total of 62,840 metric tonnes of cargo by rail in the fourth quarter of 2025, The PUNCH reports.
A recent report released by the Nigerian Railway Corporation, sighted by our correspondent, explained that of the total freight services recorded during the period, 61 were conducted on Standard Gauge corridors, while five were moved via the Narrow Gauge network.
The report indicates higher train activity compared to previous quarters, with an increased frequency of services recorded during the period.
“The Standard Gauge accounted for the majority of freight operations in the quarter. Movements were carried out by several operators and terminals, including Ajuba Containers, Starlink, APM Terminals, Diamond Star, and CCECC under track access arrangements,” the report stated.
Specifically, Ajuba Containers recorded 11 freight movements during the period, comprising two trips in October, six in November, and three in December. Starlink also recorded 11 movements, with one trip in October, seven in November, and three in December.
Freight linked directly to the APM Terminals facility accounted for nine movements—one in October, seven in November, and one in December. Diamond Star recorded 12 movements during the quarter, with seven trips in October, four in November, and five in December.
“Other categories of freight accounted for an additional 12 movements, comprising four trips in October, three in November, and five in December,” the report added.
CCECC, operating under track access arrangements, recorded the highest number of Standard Gauge movements, with a total of 23 for the quarter.
“The breakdown shows 10 movements in October, seven in November, and six in December. Altogether, freight operations on the Standard Gauge amounted to 61 movements during the fourth quarter,” the report said.
On the Narrow Gauge network, five freight movements were recorded, accounting for 2,560 metric tons of cargo. JOF Containers (Import) recorded one movement in October, with no activity in November and December. IBCL Containers also recorded one movement in October, with no subsequent trips. Other containerised cargo accounted for three movements, comprising two trips in October, one in November, and one in December, the report emphasised.
In terms of volume, the Standard Gauge moved a total of 60,280 metric tons of cargo during the fourth quarter, representing the bulk of rail freight within the period.
“Ajuba Containers moved 1,200 tons in October, 6,880 tons in November, and 3,800 tons in December, bringing its quarterly total to 11,880 tons. Starlink recorded 480 tons in October, 8,400 tons in November, and 3,840 tons in December, amounting to 12,720 tons for the quarter. Diamond Star transported 7,800 tons in October, 5,760 tons in November, and 7,680 tons in December, giving a total of 22,740 tons during the period. Gypsum also featured among cargo moved by rail, with 1,260 tons in October, 1,320 tons in November, and 1,320 tons in December, bringing the total gypsum volume to 2,580 tons,” the report explained.
On the Narrow Gauge, other containerised cargo accounted for 2,200 tons in October and 360 tons in November, making up the 2,560 metric tons recorded on that network in the fourth quarter.
“Overall, a combined total of 62,840 metric tons of cargo were transported by rail between October and December 2025, with the Standard Gauge services accounting for the larger share of both freight movements and cargo volume during the period,” the report concluded.
The NRC report highlights the increasing reliance on the Standard Gauge network to support freight operations across Nigeria, reflecting the government’s ongoing investment in rail infrastructure and efforts to enhance cargo capacity and logistics efficiency.
