The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has launched a single-gauge rail link connecting Apapa Port to Ibadan.
The infrastructure project has garnered enthusiasm from port authorities, shippers, and stakeholders.
Before now, the NPA had long advocated for diverse modes of cargo evacuation from the nation’s ports to alleviate the strain on road transportation.
Rail and barge operations have gained prominence among these alternatives, promising more sustainable and efficient logistics solutions.
In just one year since its inception, the narrow-gauge rail has demonstrated its potential to revolutionize cargo transportation in Nigeria.
The NPA revealed that the rail link has facilitated:
- The delivery of 1,886 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of cargo
- The export of 3,640 TEUs of goods
- The transportation of 262 TEUs of empty containers
Experts say the impressive figures underscore the positive impact that the Single-Gauge Rail (SGR) is having on cargo evacuation from Nigerian ports.
”By offering a reliable and efficient alternative to road transport, the rail link is expected to significantly reduce congestion at the ports, enhance cargo evacuation speed, and improve overall logistics efficiency.
”The benefits of this development extend beyond decongesting port facilities.
”The SGR promises to reduce the environmental impact associated with heavy road transportation while providing a safer and more cost-effective means of moving goods between Apapa Port and Ibadan,” the NPA said in a statement.
Stakeholders say efficient cargo movement is pivotal to Nigeria’s economic growth and competitiveness in the global market.
