After initial concerns regarding the under-utilization of the standard gauge rail line two years post-commissioning, the Federal Government has officially launched the first cargo movement on the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor.
The inauguration was led by Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, during his inaugural visit to the rail corridor on September 12, 2023.
The minister commenced his tour at the Ebute Meta station, proceeded to Apapa for the launch, and then travelled to Ibadan via the 157 km rail corridor.
The inaugural freight movement involved three coaches consisting of 30 wagons. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) plans to commence with three coaches per day, with the potential to increase this number.
This initiative is expected to alleviate congestion at the Apapa port, which handled 92.28% of Nigeria’s total exports and 60.77% of imports in the first quarter of 2022 (Q1’22).