Stakeholders Task Govt On Efficient Rail Transport In Nigeria

Some stakeholders in the shipping and railway transport sectors have tasked the government to ensure efficiency in the railway transport sector to ensure effective and regular evacuation of goods into the interior parts of the country.
They said this at a one-day summit organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in Port Harcourt.
The summit has as its theme “Limitations To Rail Transportation of Cargo in Nigeria”.
Declaring the event open, the Director, South-South Coordinating Office, NSC, Mrs. Ify Okolue, commended the participants for their commitment to more viable transportation system in the country.
She said efficient train system will not only improve the economy but also reduce road congestion.
Mrs. Okolue further said linking the rail system to the various seaports will ensure efficient shipping system in the country.
Speaking to newsmen in a post-summit interview, Okolue said the summit was organized to highlight the importance of railways in the transport system of the country.
“We had to call for this summit considering the importance of railways in the transport system of the country.
“We know that railway system is one of the safest system and it’s only through railway we can carry large volume from the seaports to the hinterland or the inland ports”, she stated.
She continued that the collaboration with the NRC has become necessary because of its crucial role in the development of inland ports.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive officer, NSC, Barrister Pius Akutah, said the Council, which also has its role as a Port economic regulator, is interested in efficient, cost effective development.
He said the Council is also promoting the development of inland dry ports to bring shipping services closer to all shippers across the Federation.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Director, Inland Transport Services, NSC, Mr. Mustaphar Zubairu, said “it was in realization of this that the Council initiated a collaborative strategy with the NRC, through an MoU, to enhance intermodal connection, fast track delivery of cargoes to and from Dry Ports, and to ease our roads, particularly the Port access roads, through constructive/revitalization of railway connection to these major centres of economic activities”.

John Bibor