The Shippers’ Council complained about the absence of a functioning rail system for evacuating cargo from seaports.

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) lamented the absence of a functioning rail system to evacuate cargo from ports to various destinations.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of the Council, Barrister Pius Akutah stated this while delivering a speech at a one-day stakeholders’ summit titled “Constraints of Rail Cargo Transportation in Nigeria” organised by the Freight Shippers Council of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation held in Lagos on Thursday.

Barr Akutah noted that the lack of a functioning railway system for the evacuation of cargo from seaports to various distribution centers inland has been a problem in the shipping industry and ease of doing business in Nigeria.

He said that railway transportation is efficient, economical and safe, especially for long distances and transporting large quantities of goods.
> can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption compared to road transport.

“The lack of a functioning rail system for the evacuation of cargo from ports to various distribution centers inland has been a problem in the shipping industry and ease of doing business in Nigeria.

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This results in congestion at ports, delays in ship loading and unloading and turnaround times, demurrage payments, increased number of trucks and tankers on the roads, traffic congestion and high costs of doing business.

“Therefore, it is hoped that at the end of this program, the challenges that hinder the transportation of goods to the interior (IDP) can be identified and solutions can be offered,” he said.

The two important institutions then signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure effective movement of cargo through rail, from the country’s Ports to Inland Dry Ports spread across the country.

Akutah disclosed that the Council’s initiatives through close inter-Agency collaboration, particularly with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) are aimed at ensuring: Improved intermodal connectivity and connections, Accelerated freight movement to and from Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Nigeria, Cheaper and cost-effective means of transporting goods to the hinterland and in particular, IDPs located in the hinterland; Facilitate the development of critical transport infrastructure in the hinterland of Nigeria, etc.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Engr Fidet Okhiria, considered the memorandum of understanding important, while reminding seaport terminal operators to provide a conducive environment for Nigerian citizens, importers and exporters to ensure smooth flow of goods.

In her remarks, Mrs. Ify Okolue, Director (Land Transport Services Department), NSC expressed optimism that the event would produce far-reaching resolutions that would positively impact the development and promotion of smooth movement of cargo from Sea Ports to Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Nigeria.

By: Babajide Okeowo

Shippers Council laments lack of functioning rail system for cargo evacuation from ports first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.