• Nigeria importers can now clear goods from Cotonou, says Adeniyi• Apapa customs posts N676b revenue in seven months
Recall that there have been setbacks to the construction of the three rail tracks due to the Nigerian Customs Service scanner building, which is now impeding two tracks. “The ministry is going to liaise with the Minister of Finance and the Customs concerning demolition of the scanning centre, which is affecting completion of the remaining tracks into the ports.
“What we are using now is a temporary transitional line, we are making headway to ensure the Customs building gives way to make us have the three lines that are slated for this terminal. Public Relations Officer, Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria , Taiwo Fatomilola, said functional cargo movement by rail is very vital in port efficiency, noting that it will create jobs and boost revenue for the government. He further lamented that laudable projects in Nigeria are short-lived because there are no plans for sustainability.
Managing Director, Bueno Logistics, Jetson Nwankwo, said he is happy the railway is now optimally utilised.“This is a big deal, meaning we will be seeing less containers on the roads and bridges. The deal is to move the containers from Apapa port complex to Moniya in Ibadan where we have a very big freight terminal.”
According to the ‘rail transport data Q2 2023’ report released by the National Bureau of Statistics, a total of 474,117 passengers travelled via rail system in the period, as compared to 441,725 and 422,393 in Q1 2023 and the corresponding quarter of 2022. The volume of goods /cargos transported in the period stood at 56,029 tons compared to 31,197 tons recorded in Q2, 2022.
Mohammed, who had assumed office at the customs headquarters as ACG Technical Services, urged the officers to continually prevent smuggling or importation of prohibited items.