Lagos, Nigeria – June 14, 2025
In a renewed push to decongest the ports and enhance cargo evacuation efficiency, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with key stakeholders to promote the use of rail transport for cargo movement.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement session held at the Command, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba, highlighted the strategic importance of rail infrastructure in modernizing Nigeria’s port logistics and easing road traffic congestion.
“We are committed to supporting the Federal Government’s vision of revitalizing the rail sector for port operations. Working closely with terminal operators, the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), and other stakeholders is central to achieving this goal,” Jaiyeoba said.
The session brought together representatives from the NRC, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), terminal operators, freight forwarders, and logistics firms, all of whom expressed readiness to align efforts for smoother integration of rail cargo into the port system.
Stakeholders noted that leveraging the rail line linking Apapa Port to inland destinations will improve turnaround time, reduce transportation costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s trade corridors.
The Apapa Command has continued to record impressive revenue generation and enforcement milestones, with Comptroller Jaiyeoba attributing much of the success to synergy with private and public sector actors.
The renewed collaboration is expected to drive increased use of rail for both imports and exports, thereby easing pressure on Lagos roads and reducing the environmental impact of haulage operations.
