The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has recorded a significant increase in cargo evacuation via rail from Lagos seaports, moving 176,820 tonnes across 198 freight trips in the first quarter of the year.
According to the NRC’s Q1 operational report, the trial cargo evacuation was driven largely by freight operations linked to APM Terminals and the ENL Consortium at Apapa Port. APM Terminals alone accounted for 129,240 tonnes, while ENL terminals recorded 47,580 tonnes.
The NRC operated a total of 198 freight trips, comprising 122 standard gauge freight movements linked to APM Terminals, six narrow gauge freight operations, and 70 freight services for ENL terminals.
APM Terminals moved 38 freight services in January, 34 in February, and 50 in March – the busiest month. In volume terms, it handled 34,920 tonnes in January, 34,840 tonnes in February, and 55,640 tonnes in March, bringing the quarterly total to 125,400 tonnes under standard gauge operation. An additional 3,840 tonnes moved via narrow gauge, raising the cumulative cargo throughput linked to the terminal to 129,240 tonnes.
The report identified Eromma as one of the leading users of the rail freight corridor, with 32 freight trips and 28,280 tonnes moved during the quarter. APM Terminals followed closely with 20 freight services and 24,000 tonnes, while CCECC Track Access recorded 18 freight movements with 20,600 tonnes evacuated. Other notable operators included Depotter (14,680 tonnes), Ajuba Containers (13,640 tonnes), and Starlink (9,120 tonnes).
ENL terminals, under standard gauge freight services, handled 70 freight trips and moved 47,580 tonnes of cargo between January and March. The terminal recorded its highest volume in January with 16,500 tonnes, followed by February (15,780 tonnes) and March (15,300 tonnes). PS Gypsum dominated rail cargo movement through the terminal with 54 freight trips and 28,440 tonnes moved, while Bueno Gypsum accounted for 16 freight trips and 19,140 tonnes.
The report noted that the steady performance reflects the growing acceptance of rail as a viable alternative for cargo evacuation, particularly for bulk cargo importers. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for a multimodal transport system to decongest ports, reduce logistics costs and cargo delays, and prevent road deterioration – given that 90 per cent of containers are currently transported by trucks.
