Shipping firm promotes movement of agro-products by rail

Determined to boost cargo movement by rail, COSCO Shipping Company has moved agricultural produce from Kano to the Lagos Port Complex Apapa by rail for export.

In a statement on Monday, the company explained that the first batch of the containers departed Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano on July 7, 2024, and arrived in Apapa on July 17.

According to the firm, the cargo train was received in Lagos by officials from COSCO Shipping, Nigeria Railway Corporation, and Temerity International experts, who facilitated the arrangement.

The Head of Logistics at COSCO Shipping Nigeria, Michael Echezona, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, stating that the successful transaction would boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s rail option and logistics supply chain system.

He emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and urgent attention from the Federal Ministry of Transportation to fast-track the standard gauge line.

Echezona stated that it would resuscitate the Nigerian economy and position the country as a regional economic hub while ensuring the effective distribution of goods to and from the hinterlands.

“Following the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, which brought progressive prosperity to Nigeria and promoted the development of the logistics supply chain, allowing more goods to be transferred from the hinterland to the port via local services, Nigeria and, by extension, the African continent has generally experienced significant infrastructural growth as a direct result of the initiative, which has primarily targeted greater connectivity and trade growth,” he noted.

The Managing Partner at Temerity International Experts, Temi Ogunniyi, who facilitated the cargo movement from the Dala Inland Dry Port, Kano, lauded the NRC’s efforts and sought increased collaboration to enhance efficiency through improved systems and security.

He remarked that rail cargo movement from the north would facilitate international trade for importers and exporters in the hinterland and neighbouring countries, diversify Nigeria’s economy, and generate much-needed foreign exchange through non-oil exports.

According to Ogunniyi, the development is poised to revolutionise the nation’s transportation landscape.

“As an environmentally friendly mode of transport, rail excels in efficiently moving massive volumes of goods. With its capacity to haul large quantities of containers and trailers, rail is perfectly suited for transporting heavy and bulky loads over long distances, making it an ideal solution for intermodal transport.

“The reliability and predictability of rail transport are significant advantages, offering regular schedules and reduced susceptibility to delays caused by traffic or weather conditions. This enhances supply chain planning, minimises disruptions, and reduces costs,” he added.

According to the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the country’s railway network runs diagonally from the Southwest (Lagos) to the Northeast (Nguru) and from the South-east (Port Harcourt) through Kafanchan to the North-East (Maiduguri).

The network consists of 4332 track kilometres characterised by sharp curves and steep gradients in many sections.