FG Moves to Link Seaports by Rail for Efficient Cargo Movement

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to connect all major seaports in Nigeria by rail, in a bid to ease cargo evacuation, reduce logistics costs, and enhance trade efficiency.

Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, disclosed this during the 2025 Nigeria Transport Sector Summit held in Lagos. He said the move is part of the government’s strategic efforts to modernise the transport network and strengthen inter-modal connectivity across the country.

According to him, the rail links will connect the Tin Can Island, Apapa, Lekki, and Badagry seaports in Lagos to inland dry ports and industrial hubs, facilitating smoother movement of goods and reducing pressure on the road network.

Alkali noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to boost economic productivity and position Nigeria as a competitive trade and logistics hub in West Africa.

Also speaking, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the plan will decongest ports, improve turnaround time for cargo clearance, and promote export competitiveness. He added that integrating rail and maritime infrastructure would not only enhance operational efficiency but also attract more private investment into the maritime sector.

He assured that the collaboration between both ministries would ensure timely execution of the project, which is expected to transform port operations and create jobs across the transport and logistics value chain.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola