In a renewed drive to promote multimodal trade facilitation, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, convened a strategic engagement with key stakeholders to enhance the efficiency of cargo movement via rail.
The meeting, which held at the Command’s headquarters, brought together representatives of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), clearing agents, freight forwarders, and other trade facilitators. It focused on streamlining logistics operations and reducing dependence on road transport.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, said the meeting aligns with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to deepen trade through multimodal transport systems, particularly rail.
“Recall that rail has been in operation for quite a while,” Olomu stated. “So we want to fine-tune the process to improve our trade objectives. When we have a seamless trade process, it will benefit our stakeholders who are here today.”
He praised the strong turnout and participation of stakeholders, describing it as a “confidence booster” that underlines their shared commitment to advancing efficient and cost-effective cargo movement.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, the Head of Operations, Akin Oshinawo, affirmed the agency’s sustained partnership with Customs. “We have always found a willing partner in the Comptroller and his men, which forms part of the Standard Operating Procedure established years ago,” he said.
He added that the initiative aligns with NRC’s mandate and supports the federal government’s renewed hope agenda for reviving rail transport nationwide.
Stakeholders at the forum applauded the collaboration, noting its potential to reduce import costs and ease congestion on road networks. National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, Dr. Osita Chukwu, urged the government to ensure such initiatives are replicated across the country.
“With what the government is doing, we hope it will not be limited to just one region but extended across the entire country, as is the case elsewhere,” he remarked.
The event also featured an interactive session where participants discussed pressing challenges in rail cargo logistics and offered practical solutions aimed at strengthening the system.
The engagement, observers say, marks a critical step in repositioning the Apapa port corridor as a model for integrated and sustainable trade facilitation.