By Godfrey AKON
The Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, says is deepening its strategic partnership to bolster trade facilitation and enhance the efficiency of cargo movement.
Speaking at a high-level stakeholder engagement on scaling up rail cargo transportation, Customs Area Controller, Compt. Babatunde Olomu, said the move aligns with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to leverage multimodal transport systems for improved logistics and national trade performance.
The strategic session, which took place at the Command headquarters, on Wednesday, brought together key players in the logistics and transportation ecosystem, including officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, NRC, clearing agents, freight forwarders, and trade advocacy groups.
The renewed synergy between Customs and the NRC comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to revive its railway infrastructure and ease dependence on road transport for cargo distribution.
“Rail has been operational for some time, but we are now refining the process to enhance our trade objectives. A seamless trade system will benefit all stakeholders, including those present here today,” Olomu stated.
He praised the commitment of partner agencies and trade actors, calling their participation a “confidence booster” that reflects the collective drive toward more efficient cargo evacuation methods.
Also speaking, NRC’s Head of Operations, Akin Oshinawo, reaffirmed the Corporation’s close collaboration with the Customs Service, noting that the renewed engagement builds on an already established Standard Operating Procedure, SOP.
“We have always found a willing partner in the Comptroller and his team. Today’s discussion aligns with our institutional mandate and supports the Renewed Hope Agenda for rail transport across the country,” he said.
Stakeholders in attendance welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that expanding the use of rail for cargo movement would reduce the cost of doing business, alleviate port congestion, and improve the turnaround time for goods delivery.
On his part, the National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, Dr Osita Chukwu, urged the government to scale the initiative nationwide.
“What we’re seeing is commendable. But we hope it goes beyond a single region and is extended across the country, as is standard in many advanced economies,” he said.
The event featured an interactive session where participants shared experiences, highlighted logistical bottlenecks, and proposed actionable recommendations for sustainable cargo rail operations.
