By Correspondent in Lagos.
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intensified collaboration with key stakeholders to boost trade facilitation and optimize the movement of cargo through the nation’s rail system.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Customs Tunde Ayagbalo.
According to Ayagbalo, the engagement session held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the Apapa Command brought together representatives of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), clearing agents, freight forwarders, and other industry stakeholders.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, said the meeting aligned with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, to strengthen logistics efficiency through a multimodal transport framework.
“Rail transport has been operational for some time, but this meeting aimed to fine-tune the process to better serve our trade objectives. A seamless trade process will ultimately benefit all our stakeholders,”Olomu stated.
He commended the active participation of stakeholders, describing their commitment as a “confidence booster” that reflects a shared vision for efficient cargo delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NRC, Head of Operations Akin Oshinowo reaffirmed the corporation’s longstanding partnership with Customs.
“We have always found a willing partner in the Comptroller and his team. This relationship is embedded in the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed years ago,” he said.
Oshinowo added that the dialogue was in line with the NRC’s operational goals and supports the government’s renewed hope agenda for revitalizing rail transport across Nigeria.
Stakeholders at the event praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to reduce import costs and improve cargo distribution nationwide.
Dr. Osita Chukwu, National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, applauded the effort and called for its expansion beyond Lagos.
“With the government’s renewed commitment, we hope this initiative will not be limited to one region but extended nationwide,” Chukwu said.
Ayagbalo added that the session featured robust discussions on the challenges confronting cargo rail transport, with participants proposing actionable solutions for sustainable improvement.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
