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NRC accuses terminal operators of frustrating use of rail by charging special rates on cargo at ports.

Okhiria, MD, NRC(L) and Pius Akutah, ES,NSC, signing MoU on use of rail transport at ports.
— partners Shippers’Council to encourage use of rail transportation.
Funso OLOJO 
The Managing Director of Nigerian Railway Corporation(NRC), Fidet Okhiria, has identified the special rates charged by terminal operators as the major inhibitive factor discouraging importers from using rail to evacuate their goods from the ports.
It could be recalled that the government has invested heavily in rail transportation and linking rail tracks to the ports for quick evacuation of cargo.
However, the NRC has expressed worries that despite the obvious advantages of the use of rail over the road to evacuate goods, importers have been discouraged from embracing this mode of transportation due to special charges by the terminal operators that eventually made use of rail more expensive to evacuate goods from the ports.
Engr. Okhiria was speaking on Thursday at the sensitization summit for stakeholders on the limitations to rail transportation of cargo in Nigeria held by the Nigerian Shippers’Council.
Speaking on the sideline of the event, the NRC chief said that the use of rail should not attract extra charges as being imposed by the terminal operators but should be cheaper to encourage its use among importers and exporters.
He enjoined terminal operators to provide an enabling environment for importers and exporters to ensure goods are evacuated cheaply by rails at the ports.
” It is not good to be charging special rates at the terminals and that is the major hindrance that is not encouraging the customers to use rails to evacuate their cargo.
” If you go by rails, no extra charge, and N60,000 is charged by container” he noted.
Okhiria said the use of rail will make roads freer and deliver goods to their destination quickly and cheaply.
However, to surmount these challenges, the Nigerian Shippers’Council and the NRC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)  as part of efforts to improve rail transportation of cargoes from seaports to the hinterlands.
An elated Executive Secretary,NSC,  Pius Akutah, said the collaboration with the NRC was aimed at enhancing intermodal connections, fast-track cargo delivery to and from inland dry ports and reducing transportation costs.
Akutah noted that rail transportation is efficient, economical, and safe for long distances and large volumes of goods, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption compared with road transportation.The NSC boss decried the challenges faced by the shipping industry due to the lack of a functional rail system, including congestion at seaports, delays in offloading of vessels,and turnaround time, payment of demurrage as well as increased costs of doing business.

He expressed hope that the partnership would identify solutions to these challenges and enhance the delivery of cargo to the hinterland, contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

“Working together with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, we believe that the best way to go in terms of cargo movement across the nation is to encourage rail transportation and other modes of transportation.

” But we have seen that rail transportation is the best in terms of safety of the cargo, costs and efficiency.

“So we are here to demonstrate that and have this partnership to see how we can develop structures and policies to returning to the use of rail system to move cargo into the hinterlands, ” he said.

Akutah said the government aims to prioritise export activities to improve Nigeria’s trade balance, which has suffered due to insufficient export growth.

He said by enhancing inland transportation infrastructure and promoting rail for cargo movement, the NSC and NRC aim to strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in the African market, ensuring that Nigerian goods can be efficiently transported and exported across the continent.

“This government is focusing on export to see how we can take advantage of the opportunities that are open to shippers in Nigeria under AfCFTA.

“Africa has a free market today, and the Nigerian market is open to the whole of Africa.

“We must act proactively to ensure that Nigeria not only participates in but also benefits from the vast opportunities presented by the AfCFTA,” Akutah said.

Meanwhile, the NRC stressed the importance of streamlining procedures and fostering collaboration with various stakeholders to maximise the potential of rail transport in Nigeria.

He identified key challenges affecting rail transport, including insufficient volumes of goods for transport, noting that the NRC often struggles to assemble large enough shipments to justify rail movement, citing the lengthy process it took to gather 17 containers from the hinterlands and move them from Kano to Apapa port.

Okhiria said this is despite the NRC’s efforts to encourage the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), importers, exporters, and other industry bodies to consolidate shipments and facilitate bulk transportation, these delays persist.

He emphasised the need for efficiency in terminal operations, stating that the NRC aims to ensure wagons are loaded within one hour and ready to depart within 10 minutes of loading.

Regarding the NRC’s operational capabilities, Okhiria noted the potential of the standard gauge rail system to move 35 containers at a time, with the possibility of increasing this to 70 containers using a double-headed train. He added that the narrow gauge system can carry 20 containers at once.

The Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Lelook Nigeria Limited, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, expressed delight at the partnership between the Shippers’ Council and the NRC, urging both parties to work towards executing the MoU signed to improve rail transportation of cargoes.

Ezenwa, whose company manufactures bags emphasized that the successful execution of the MoU would bring down the cost of manufacturing and boost business operations, especially for
for exporters.

Speaking on the challenge of insufficient volumes of goods for transport identified by the NRC Managing Director, Ezenwa attributed it to a lack of communication.

According to her, manufacturers have cargo to move but are unaware of the services offered by the NRC.

She suggested that the NRC should advertise its services more effectively, engaging the media to raise awareness about its offerings.

She also recommended sensitization programs and meetings with manufacturers to explore ways to utilize the rail services.

“The rail people are not really advertising their services. I came here now to see that they have a lot to offer but who are they offering it to?

” The media should be engaged to let us know what is happening in the rail sector. So the issue of cargo to move is not a challenge, we have cargo but we don’t know what they can do with those cargoes.

“So they should do sensitization and call the manufacturers together and we will perform, ” she said.

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Customs

Customs PR officers dominate NCCSC graduation, clinch overall best honours

Gloria Odion, Maritime reporter 

The Public Relations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded a rare academic feat as two of its officers emerged the top graduating students at the Nigeria Customs Service Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada.

At the graduation ceremony for Senior Course 14 held on Friday,June 26th, 2026,  Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Ridwan Yusuf was named the Overall Best Graduating Student, capping an outstanding performance by winning three additional awards.

His colleague, CSC Nuruddeen Sa’idu, was named the Second Best Graduating Student, completing a remarkable sweep by officers from the Service’s Public Relations Unit.

The double honour highlights the intellectual depth, leadership capacity and professionalism within the Customs Public Relations Unit, demonstrating that its officers excel not only in strategic communication but also in administration, operational management and policy leadership.

Beyond the accolades, the achievement is expected to open another chapter in their careers, as both officers may be retained by the College as Directing Staff, in keeping with the institution’s tradition of engaging its highest-performing graduates to mentor future participants.

If confirmed, the appointments would recognise their exceptional academic and professional abilities while entrusting them with the responsibility of shaping the next generation of Customs leaders, although their absence would be keenly felt within the Public Relations Unit.

The Nigeria Customs Service Public Relations Unit congratulated both officers on their outstanding accomplishments and wished them continued success as they assume greater responsibilities in service to the nation.

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Headlines

Stakeholders hail commitment of NIMASA to welfare of Nigerian seafarers as salaries jump by 150 percent 

 Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has won widespread acclaim from key maritime stakeholders for its sustained commitment to improving the welfare, remuneration and professional development of Nigerian seafarers, with reforms that have increased their earning capacity by over 150 per cent.

The commendations came on Thursday, June 25th, 2026 during the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration in Lagos, where government officials, lawmakers and labour leaders unanimously applauded the agency’s efforts to reposition Nigerian seafarers for global competitiveness.

Leading the tributes were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Wasiu Eshilokin,  Chairman of the House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration, Khadija Bubar Abba Ibrahim, represented by her Deputy, Uduak Alphonsus Odudou and President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu Abi.

They praised NIMASA for implementing policies and programmes that have significantly improved the welfare, working conditions and international recognition of Nigerian seafarers.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, highlighted the agency’s strategic interventions, revealing that over 2,459 cadets have been trained or are currently undergoing training in reputable maritime institutions across the world under the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).

Mobereola disclosed that Nigerian seafarers’ earning capacity has risen by more than 150 per cent following NIMASA’s successful enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 and the integration of the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) agreement into the International Transport Workers’ Federation/International Labour Organization (ITF/ILO) wage framework.

The development, he explained, has effectively placed Nigerian seafarers on internationally recognised wage scales and improved their conditions of service.

“At NIMASA, the welfare, safety, security and professional advancement of seafarers remain central to our maritime governance agenda.

“We recognise that protecting and empowering seafarers is not merely a regulatory obligation but a moral imperative and a strategic necessity for sustaining the growth and resilience of the maritime industry.

“In line with this commitment, the Agency has continued to champion strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers,” Mobereola said.

He called for stronger collaboration among governments, maritime administrations, shipowners, employers, training institutions, labour unions and other industry stakeholders to build a maritime ecosystem that prioritises safety, dignity, inclusion, wellbeing and professional excellence of seafarers.

According to him, the complex risks faced by seafarers require a collective and sustained response from all stakeholders.

The NIMASA boss described the annual Day of the Seafarer celebration as more than a ceremonial event, saying it should serve as a renewed commitment to ensuring that every seafarer is respected, protected, fairly treated and empowered to realise his or her full potential.

He paid glowing tribute to seafarers for their invaluable contributions to global commerce despite the enormous challenges they confront at sea.

“Beyond transporting cargo, seafarers navigate unpredictable weather conditions, demanding working environments, evolving security threats and increasing geopolitical realities.

“They endure prolonged separation from their families and loved ones while coping with the physical and psychological demands inherent in life at sea.

“Yet they continue to demonstrate exceptional resilience, professionalism and unwavering commitment,” he said.

Addressing Nigerian seafarers and their counterparts across the world, Mobereola added:

“You are not only the backbone of global trade but also proud ambassadors of our maritime nation. Your contributions continue to strengthen the maritime sector, support economic growth and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.”

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Headlines

FG to Shipping Firms: End abuse of Nigerian Seafarers now or face consequences

— as Oyetola vows zero tolerance for poor welfare of seafarers , unveils national carrier plan to boost jobs, sea-time training

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to shipping companies, crewing agencies and shipowners against the maltreatment of Nigerian seafarers, declaring that any practice that undermines their welfare, safety and dignity will no longer be tolerated.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, delivered the warning at the 2026 Day of the Seafarer celebration held in Lagos on Thursday, June 25th,2026, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian seafarers and improving their welfare.

The event, themed “Carrying World Trade, Carrying the Risk,” drew key stakeholders from across the maritime industry, including heads of maritime agencies, members of the National Assembly, shipping companies, crewing agencies, ministry officials, maritime labour unions and seafarers.

Speaking through the Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the Ministry, Mr. Makoji Musa, Oyetola said the era of neglecting Nigerian seafarers must come to an end.

“Let me send a clear message to all shipping companies, crewing agencies and employers of seafarers.

“Our seafarers must be treated with dignity, fairness and respect at all times.

“The era of neglecting the welfare of seafarers, denying them their legitimate entitlements, or subjecting them to unacceptable working conditions must come to an end.

“The well-being of our maritime workforce is non-negotiable,” the minister declared.

Oyetola described seafarers as the backbone of global commerce, noting that they facilitate over 85 per cent of world trade despite operating under difficult and often hazardous conditions.

“Behind every successful voyage lies a story of commitment, endurance and sacrifice,” he said.

“Seafarers spend long periods away from their families, work under demanding conditions and navigate increasingly complex operational and security challenges.

“Their profession requires not only technical competence but also courage, discipline and exceptional resilience.”

He stressed that celebrating seafarers should go beyond ceremonial speeches and translate into concrete actions that improve their working conditions, strengthen safety standards and safeguard their rights.

The Minister reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing maritime safety, security and decent work through reforms targeted at improving maritime education and training, raising certification standards, expanding employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers and ensuring full compliance with international maritime conventions.

In a major policy announcement, Oyetola disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of establishing a national shipping carrier under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

According to him, the initiative is designed to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, curb capital flight, strengthen indigenous shipping capacity and, crucially, create more employment opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.

He explained that the proposed national carrier would also address one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigerian cadets by providing adequate sea-time training required for international certification and employment.

“The Ministry is finalizing plans to establish a national shipping carrier through a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

“This strategic initiative will help stem the enormous capital flight associated with the dominance of foreign shipping lines, enhance Nigeria’s participation in international maritime trade and strengthen our national shipping capacity.

“Importantly, the initiative will create new opportunities for Nigerian seafarers by expanding sea-time placements, increasing employment prospects, developing local maritime expertise and providing a sustainable platform for career advancement,” Oyetola said.

The Minister maintained that protecting the welfare and rights of seafarers remains central to the Federal Government’s vision of building a globally competitive maritime sector and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

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