Rail, Road, Sea Must Integrate To Cut Logistics Costs – Opeifa

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has called for stronger integration of rail, road and maritime transportation to reduce logistics costs, boost trade and unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.

The managing director/chief executive officer of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, said an efficient, integrated transport system was critical to reducing the cost of doing business, connecting producers to markets and strengthening the country’s economic competitiveness.

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Opeifa, who spoke through his Special Adviser, Media, Yinka Aderibigbe, at the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) conference on Thursday, said Nigeria must build a transportation network where rail, road, maritime, inland waterways and aviation complement one another rather than operate in isolation.

Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Economic Growth Through Transportation Logistics,” he said transportation was not merely about moving people and goods but a major driver of productivity, trade, industrial development, employment and national competitiveness.

He stressed that rail transportation had a particularly important role in the integration process, given its capacity to move large volumes of passengers and bulk freight over long distances.

According to him, rail could significantly reduce pressure on highways, lower logistics costs and facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, containers and other commodities across the country.

At the NRC, Opeifa said the corporation’s focus extended beyond passenger transportation to strengthening freight operations and improving connectivity between rail lines, seaports, inland dry ports, industrial centres and major economic corridors.

He noted that improved rail connectivity with other transport modes would enhance cargo movement, support businesses and contribute to broader economic growth.

On funding, the NRC managing director said stronger public-private partnerships were necessary to bridge the infrastructure and investment gaps in the transportation sector.

“Government alone cannot provide all the infrastructure and investment required,” he said, adding that Nigeria must create more opportunities for private-sector participation and encourage investments in rolling stock, freight terminals, logistics hubs and related infrastructure.

He also called for a regulatory environment that supports efficiency and innovation across the sector.

Opeifa emphasised the need to protect railway infrastructure, warning that tracks, bridges, signalling systems and other critical assets were national investments that must be safeguarded against vandalism and encroachment.

He said protecting the infrastructure required the collective responsibility of government, security agencies, host communities and the travelling public.

The NRC chief executive further stressed that transportation services must remain affordable and accessible, noting that improved mobility provides access to jobs, markets, education and other opportunities.

“Therefore, investment in transportation is ultimately an investment in the productivity and wellbeing of Nigerians,” he said.

He reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to the Federal Government’s vision of developing a modern, integrated and efficient transportation system capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

Opeifa also commended TCAN for providing a platform for dialogue among policymakers, operators, investors, professionals and the media, noting that the media’s role in informing the public and sustaining constructive conversations on transportation development remained invaluable.

He expressed optimism that investment, innovation, collaboration and effective policy implementation would help build a transportation logistics system capable of unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.