Apapa Customs Strengthens Collaboration With Stakeholders To Boost Rail Cargo Transport
By Asuquo Nuwak
Apapa Customs Strengthens Collaboration With Stakeholders To Boost Rail Cargo Transport
In line with the policy thrust of the CGC, which is centred on collaboration, innovation and consolidation, the Apapa Customs Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, has engaged key stakeholders to enhance trade facilitation and optimise cargo movement by rail.
The Public Relations officer of the command, Superintendent of Customs, Tunde Ayagbalo, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Thursday, during an event
held at the command Headquarters on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, which brought together representatives of the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), clearing agents, and freight forwarders, among others.
The Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, in his speech, said the meeting was in line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi, to improve logistics through multimodal transport systems.
He recalled that rail has been in operation for quite a while, adding that the command need to fine-tune the process to improve their trade objectives.
Besides, when the command have a seamless trade process, it will benefit the stakeholders who are in the meeting.
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, who commended the commitment of the stakeholders present at the meeting, described their participation as a “confidence booster” that reinforces the shared goal of efficient cargo movement.
Akin Oshinowo, the Head of operations, representing the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) reiterated the agency’s longstanding cooperation with the Service.
He said the management of Nigerian Railway Corporation have always found a willing partner in the comptroller and his men, which forms part of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) established years ago.
Akin Oshinowo is quoted as saying: “The discussion we had at the meeting aligns with the NRC’s objectives and supports of the renewed hope agenda for rail transportation in Nigeria”.
The stakeholders, who commended the initiative, also noted its potential to reduce the cost of imports and improve the overall efficiency of cargo distribution.
The National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition, Dr Osita Chukwu, who commended customs for the initiative, also said
with what the government is doing, we hope it will not be limited to just one region, but extended across the entire country.
In summary, Superintendent of Customs (SC) Tunde Ayagbola, said the interactive session was specifically organised to provide participants with essential knowledge and practical tools to apply in tackling challenges facing cargo rail transport and proposed actionable solutions for improvement.
About The Author
