APMT, NRC enter pact for evacuation of containers

By Fidelis Ugbomeh

As part of efforts to boost intermodal transport and reduce reliance on the use of road mode, Management of Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has concluded arrangements with APM Terminal (APMT) to increase cargo movement from Apapa Port in Lagos to Railway Freight Yard at Moniya, Ibadan.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Yakub Mahmood, Deputy Director, Public Relations, NRC and made available to Daily Sun

The decision to enhance contain movement was reached during a recent meeting between NRC management, led by Managing Director, Dr Kayode Opeifa, and management of APMT led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Frederik Klinke.

Speaking on the arrangement Klinke reiterated APMT’s position as the foremost transporter of container freight in the country and a major partner to the NRC.

He highlighted a strategic advantage Nigeria had by being surrounded by a number of landlocked neighbouring countries.

According to him, this created an opportunity for the country to be a hub for importation of containerised goods.

“APMT assures NRC of greater efficiency in turnaround of cargo at the port,” he said.

Responding, Opeifa thanked APM Terminal for decades of partnership with NRC.

“We are going to work for the satisfaction of not only the APMT but all customers who intend to do business with NRC,” he said.

He said that NRC would provide reliable, efficient, safe and sustainable services so as to encourage greater use of the rail system.

“This will translate into reduction in the cost of goods and services.

“It will also promote food security, which is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Opeifs affirmed.