As part of efforts to improve the intermodal system of transportation for lifting of cargoes from seaport in Apapa, Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) on Tuesday, visited the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr Freeborn Okhiria at the corporation’s headquarters in Lagos.
During the meeting, the two organisations agreed to strengthen relationship to address logistics challenges in the port.
Chairman of NPCC, Mr Bolaji Sunmola said the visit was an opportunity to introduce and resuscitate the relationship between the NRC and the council.
Sunmola said the visit would pave ways for functional transportation in Nigeria.
He noted that partnership between the NPCC and the NRC could lead to synergies that benefit both the rail and maritime sectors.
He said: “By working together, we can address logistical challenges, improve intermodal connectivity, and ultimately enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
“We will be delighted to explore these collaborative opportunities further and explore how our council can support the NRC in achieving set objectives.”
He listed the core responsibilities of NPCC to include advisory role, advocacy, consulting services and arbitration.
Also, a member of the council, Capt. Emmanuel Ebubeogu, commended the management of NRC on rail line transformation.
Ebubeogu, however, urged the council to look into the level crossing that lacks a keeper and barrier along the dockyard road inward Navy and the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“I develop `goose pimple’ anytime I pass there because the house has been broken down as a result of modernisation but this should be addressed immediately.
“In transport, the first policy is safety, a competent transport and port system should ensure safety at all times,” he said.
Responding, the NRC MD, Okhiria, who was represented by the Director of Operations, Mr Akin Osinowo, noted that the support from the NPCC would drive change in the port.
Osinowo said: “One of the areas we need support from the NPCC is in the expansion of the rail to move the NRC into modern time in the rail system.
“The NRC has a track access system which Lagos State Government has keyed into; they have been cohabiting with the corporation to push transportation in the state.
“Our infrastructure is not being used to its full capacity, we are working out structure for its commercial use and as a neutral body, we need your support on this.”
Photo caption: (L-R) – Mr Akin Osinowo, Director of Operations, NRC,Mr Ben Iloanusi, Director Procurement, NRC and Mr Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman NPCC, during the visit to the Managing Director of NRC, Mr Freeborn Okhiria at the corporation’s headquarters in Lagos, on Tuesday
