APM Terminals Apapa has engaged the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Government, Tilewa Folami, along with agricultural commodities importers and exporters, to address logistics challenges and explore opportunities for utilising the Apapa-Moniya rail line.
Last month, APM Terminals in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), launched the Apapa-Moniya rail service, which operates three times weekly, facilitating the movement of cargo in and out of the port.
Speaking at the meeting, APM Terminals’ Manager, Steen Knudsen, emphasised that the Apapa-Moniya rail product aims to open up Nigeria’s hinterland to international trade.He noted that the service is particularly vital for perishable agricultural commodities, which require a reliable and predictable logistics network.
“This rail service will significantly improve business prospects for importers and exporters in the hinterland, providing them with a fixed, reliable schedule to transport commodities to Apapa Port,” Knudsen stated.
Accompanying the APM Terminals team were Denmark’s Consul General, Trade Counsellor Jette Bjerrum and the Commercial Trade Advisor to the Danish Consulate, Victoria Epelle.
Bjerrum highlighted Denmark’s commercial involvement in Nigeria, particularly in enhancing the agricultural value chain. She noted that Denmark aims to support local interests in agriculture, energy, and livestock exports, with government-backed cold chain initiatives to strengthen market access.
Meanwhile, Folami discussed Oyo State’s industrialisation and agricultural consolidation efforts, emphasising ongoing road construction projects, including the Shaki-Benin route, to enhance connectivity.
He stressed the strategic importance of the Apapa-Moniya rail service in logistics planning, particularly as the area is set to host a new city and the largest market in West Africa, in partnership with France.
“It would be beneficial if APM Terminals could share weekly and monthly updates on the progress of the rail service with us. Additionally, establishing an office in Moniya to handle customer inquiries would improve efficiency,” Folami suggested.
He also disclosed Oyo State’s plans to develop a cargo and international passenger airport, strengthen local trade, and host an investment summit in May, bringing together 150 companies and regional investors.
Agricultural importers and exporters at the meeting raised key concerns, including, the ability to book shipments from Ibadan without travelling to Lagos and the need for cold chain logistics to preserve perishable goods.
They also emphasised improved data sharing between APM Terminals and the Oyo State Government to drive investment as well as the feasibility of cargo consolidation at the terminal.
