Federal Government Inaugurates Committee To Accelerate Port-Railway Integration And Boost Logistics Efficiency

The NRC inaugurates a committee to speed up port-rail connectivity, including links for Lekki, Onne, and Tin Can Island ports to boost the economy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 6:45 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Channels Television

A National Push For Integrated Logistics

The Federal Government has moved to address long-standing bottlenecks in Nigeria’s freight system by constituting a committee dedicated to accelerating port-railway connectivity. Dr. Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, announced the initiative during a stakeholders' engagement in Lagos. He emphasized that the current maritime reforms and the development of deep-sea ports will only yield marginal returns unless they are supported by an efficient, high-capacity rail linkage. The committee, formed under the guidance of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is tasked with driving the delivery of rail infrastructure through strategic partnerships with the private sector.

Strategic Extensions To Major Port Hubs

The NRC has outlined several critical infrastructure projects designed to link existing rail corridors directly to maritime terminals. Key among these is the extension of the Lagos-Ibadan standard gauge line from Apapa Port to the Tin Can Island Port. On the central axis, the Warri-Itakpe line is slated to connect directly to the Warri Port. For the eastern flank, plans are underway to link the narrow-gauge system to the Port Harcourt Port at Onne. These connections are viewed as essential for facilitating the rapid evacuation of cargo and reducing the severe congestion that currently plagues Nigeria’s port access roads.

Regional Integration And The Eastern Corridor

Beyond the primary hubs in Lagos, the government is prioritizing the interconnectivity of eastern region ports to foster regional trade integration. Dr. Opeifa revealed that the corporation is planning new rail lines specifically for the eastern corridor to modernize freight movement in that region. Furthermore, he provided an update on the Kaduna-Kano rail corridor, stating that it is nearing completion. The synchronization of these northern and southern lines is intended to create a seamless transit route for goods traveling from the coast to the hinterland and neighboring landlocked regions.