NRC Aims for 100% Boost in Lagos-Kaduna Dry Port Freight Operations by Q2 2025
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reiterated its commitment to significantly enhancing freight operations between Lagos and the Kaduna Inland Dry Port, with plans to achieve full capacity utilization by the second quarter of 2025. This ambitious target was unveiled in a recent video shared on the NRC’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, featuring coverage by AIT News Channel.
In the video, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of NRC, provided insights into the ongoing developments and efforts to boost the efficiency of freight transportation on the Lagos-Kaduna rail corridor. According to Dr. Opeifa, while the logistical operations required for efficient freight movement are already in place, certain non-logistical challenges still need to be addressed before the system can operate at its full potential. These challenges, he explained, go beyond the technicalities of rail infrastructure and involve factors such as regulatory adjustments and operational fine-tuning.
The focus of the NRC’s strategy is to optimize both narrow and standard gauge rail lines, which are essential to the smooth flow of goods from the bustling Lagos port to the landlocked Kaduna Inland Dry Port. The move is expected to not only ease the transportation of goods but also stimulate economic activities in the regions connected by this crucial railway network. By increasing capacity, the NRC aims to enhance the efficiency of cargo movement, reduce congestion at the ports, and provide more reliable and cost-effective solutions for businesses relying on rail transport.
One of the key elements of the NRC’s plan is to improve the current infrastructure, ensuring it meets the growing demand for freight services. The corporation also intends to implement operational adjustments to streamline processes and eliminate bottlenecks that could impede the smooth flow of goods. This will involve upgrading various aspects of the logistics chain, including scheduling, handling procedures, and integration with other transport modes, such as road and air freight.
Dr. Opeifa emphasized that achieving 100% capacity utilization by mid-2025 is a critical milestone in the NRC’s long-term vision to modernize and expand the railway network, making it a more efficient and reliable option for transporting goods across the country. As the NRC continues to work toward this goal, the potential benefits of a fully optimized Lagos-Kaduna rail corridor will be felt across multiple sectors, including trade, manufacturing, and agriculture.
With the project on track, businesses in Nigeria and beyond can look forward to enhanced logistics solutions that will contribute to the overall growth and development of the nation’s economy.
