By Faridat Salifu
APM Terminals Nigeria has officially launched the Apapa-Moniya standard gauge rail service, aiming to streamline cargo transportation between Apapa port and the Nigerian Railway Corporation Freight Yard in Moniya, Ibadan.
Caroline Aubert-Adewuyi, Chief Commercial Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, announced the initiative on Monday, February 10 in Lagos, emphasizing its structured schedule designed to enhance operational efficiency.
The new rail service is designed to function like an airport conveyor belt, facilitating the movement of exports from the hinterland and the evacuation of imports from the port.
Aubert-Adewuyi addressed previous challenges, such as unpredictable scheduling, that complicated cargo planning for customers.
With this revamped service, cargo will be transported three times a week, providing a reliable alternative to road transport and helping to reduce traffic congestion in Apapa.
To further simplify the process for customers, APM Terminals has introduced a streamlined payment system. Payments will now be made directly to APM Terminals Apapa, which will manage all transactions with stakeholders involved in the rail service supply chain.
Courage Obadagbony, Chief Finance Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, highlighted the multi-modal capabilities of the Apapa port, integrating barge, road, and rail transport to enhance logistics.
He noted a 43 percent growth in export volumes over the last two years, showcasing the impact of investments in rail logistics.
The collaboration between APM Terminals and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is longstanding, with the new standard gauge rail line facilitating container transport that began in September 2023.
Dr. Kayode Opeifa, NRC Managing Director, noted that logistics firms like Bueno Logistics and Transco Africa Logistics have already adopted this service.
With the completion of two additional rail lines at APM Terminals Apapa, the total will rise to three, increasing capacity for efficient container handling. Barrister Pius Akuta, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, praised the partnership, emphasizing rail transport as a cost-effective and safe method for nationwide goods movement.
The new service promises fixed departures from Apapa on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, each capable of transporting up to 35 wagons—either 35 forty-foot containers or 70 twenty-foot containers—offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional road transport.
