FG Is Prioritizing Railways Linkage To All Seaports – Opeifa

By Roland Ekama 

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has disclosed plans to connect all the nation’s seaports and dry ports to the railway network to enhance the logistics supply chain service.

Managing Director of NRC, Kayode Opeifa, who spoke on Wednesday at the Transportation Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) 2025 Summit held in Lagos, affirmed that efforts are underway to link rail lines to the ports to ensure seamless cargo movement.

Opeifa noted that NRC is planning to make Apapa a new logistics hub to facilitate the movement of goods from the port to the hinterlands, describing the project as priority number one.

According to him, the federal government’s priority is to link the Port Harcourt – Maiduguri rail line to Port Harcourt Port in Rivers State, as well as the Warri rail station to Warri Port in Delta State.

He added that over 25 logistics companies are currently utilizing the national rail corridors for cargo movement, noting that Tin Can Island Port and Calabar port are not left out in the project of rail linkage.

Opeifa also explained that the Itakpe – Warri route remains closed but that the necessary infrastructure is in place for repair works.

Speaking on the theme “Driving the Transport Logistics Value Chains for Economic Growth,” TCAN Chairman Tola Adenubi noted that Nigeria has often paid only lip service to improving transportation modes, leaving barge operators bankrupt and struggling to survive.

Adenubi called for adequate funding for barges to expand capacity and fleets, pointing out that transportation modes remain poorly utilized, forcing the country to rely heavily on road haulage, which shortens the lifespan of roads.

He further explained that besides cargo movement, waterways also facilitate passenger transport across the country, connecting communities and providing vital transportation routes.

“With 28 of Nigeria’s 36 states accessible via 3,000 kilometres of navigable waterways, enforcing the 2023 Inland Waterways Transportation Regulations, also known as the Waterways Transportation Code, is crucial,” Adenubi emphasized.

“The recurring boat mishaps in the northern part of the country have raised concerns about adherence to safety rules and regulations by residents of riverine communities in Nigeria, including Zamfara, Sokoto, Nasarawa, and others,” Adenubi added.