Shipping firm urges FG to fast-track standard gauge rail development

COSCO Shipping has urged the Federal Ministry of Transportation to fast-track the standard gauge line after it successfully exported Nigeria’s agricultural produce, which arrived at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa by rail from Dala Inland Dry Ports, Kano State.

The first batch of 18 locomotive-driven containers departed Dala Inland Dry Port on July 7, 2024, and arrived Apapa on July 17 after 10 days of daylight travel.

The cargo train was received in Lagos by officials from COSCO Shipping, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) and Temerity International Experts, who facilitated the arrangement.

Head of Logistics at COSCO Shipping Nigeria, Michael Echezona, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in facilitating the cargo movement, stating that the successful transaction boosts investor confidence in the country’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.

This, he said, would resuscitate the national economy, position the country as a regional economic hub, and ensure 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,” Echezona said.

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

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

He said this development is poised to revolutionise the nation’s transportation landscape, noting that as an environmentally friendly mode of transport, rail excels in efficiently moving massive volumes of goods.

Ogunniyi explained that 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.

He added that 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, Ogunniyi said, enhances supply chain planning, minimizes disruptions, and reduces costs.