Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the seamless movement of goods across the country, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
NRC’s Managing Director, Mr Kayode Opeifa, made this known on Thursday during an inspection of properties managed by Railway Property Management Company Limited (RPMCL) in Kaduna.
Opeifa, who also chairs the RPMCL board, said the initiative aims to boost economic activities and improve logistics efficiency.
“Nigeria Railway Corporation, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, is determined to achieve 100 per cent smooth movement of goods both along the narrow gauge and the standard gauge,” he stated.
He added that the federal government is addressing challenges related to rolling stock and wagon availability.
“We are already assembling wagons at Kajola in Oyo State, so that wagons will no longer be an issue. The government is equally looking into the issues of rolling stock as well.”
Opeifa assured that freight movement from Lagos to the Kaduna Dry Port would commence by the second quarter of the year.
He also reiterated NRC’s commitment to facilitating cargo transport from Niger Republic, Mokwa, Jebba, and other inland ports.
“We are also determined, just like we promised Niger Foods and the Niger Government, that we will do everything possible to get cargo from Niger; Mokwa, Jebba, and wherever their Inland Dry Port is situated,” he said.
Additionally, he highlighted plans to enhance trade routes for exporters in Kaduna and Kano, stressing the corporation’s collaboration with key stakeholders.
“We are determined, committed and are in partnership with Kaduna Dry Port and also all other state governments and private entities along this corridor to make sure that this is put to use,” he said.
Opeifa noted that optimising NRC’s assets would curb vandalism, reduce goods prices, lower inflation, and improve living standards.
“We commend our subsidiary for putting the property of NRC to proper use, and with this, people should understand that we are ready for business,” he added.
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Managing Director of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited, operators of Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Mr Omotayo Dada, welcomed the NRC’s renewed commitment, saying, “The discussions showed that there is a lot to come in the future. The Dry Port is not idle as a whole lot is going on here.
“With the discussions we have had, I am optimistic that before the year runs out, productivity would even increase by about 70 per cent. As such, we look forward to a new and fantastic disposition.”
During his visit, Opeifa inspected various NRC properties, including Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Kakuri, newly built market stores at Kaduna Junction Station, Abakpakwa, and Rigasa Train Stations.
