Rail Cargo Surge at Lagos Ports, Hits 176,820 Tonnes in Q1 3
By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Fresh data obtained from the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has revealed a major surge in rail freight movement at the nation’s seaports, with cargoes transported through the Apapa port corridor hitting an impressive 176,820 tonnes in the first quarter of 2026.
The figures, contained in the NRC’s first quarter operational report for January to March 2026, showed that the movement was driven largely by freight operations linked to APM Terminals (APMT) and ENL Consortium terminals, signaling renewed confidence in rail evacuation as stakeholders intensify efforts to decongest the ports and reduce pressure on the nation’s roads.
Analysis of the report indicates that APMT alone accounted for 129,240 tonnes of cargo movement during the period, while ENL terminals recorded 47,580 tonnes.
The report also showed that the Nigerian Railway Corporation operated a total of 198 freight trips within the period under review, comprising 128 standard gauge freight movements linked to APMT, six narrow gauge freight operations, and 70 freight services for ENL terminals.
According to the NRC report, APMT recorded a total of 122 standard gauge freight trips between January and March 2026, with March emerging as the busiest month.
The terminal moved 38 freight services in January, 34 in February, and 50 in March.
In terms of volume, APMT handled 34,920 tonnes in January, 34,840 tonnes in February, and an impressive 55,640 tonnes in March, bringing the quarterly total to 125,400 tonnes under the standard gauge operation.
Additional narrow gauge freight services moved 3,840 tonnes within the same period, raising the cumulative cargo throughput linked to APMT to 129,240 tonnes.
A breakdown of operators utilizing the rail freight corridor showed that Eromma emerged as one of the leading users of the service with 32 freight trips and 28,280 tonnes moved during the quarter.
CCECC Track Access followed closely with 18 freight movements and 20,600 tonnes, while APMT itself recorded 20 freight services with 24,000 tonnes evacuated by rail.
Other notable operators included Depotter with 14,680 tonnes, Ajuba Containers with 13,640 tonnes, and Starlink with 9,120 tonnes.
The data further showed that rail freight activities gained significant momentum in March, with the month accounting for the highest cargo movement volume during the quarter.
The NRC report also showed that ENL terminals recorded substantial freight activities within the review period.
Under the standard gauge freight services, ENL handled a total of 70 freight trips and moved 47,580 tonnes of cargo between January and March 2026.
The report indicated that PS Gypsum dominated rail cargo movement through the terminal with 54 freight trips and 28,440 tonnes moved during the quarter. Bueno Gypsum accounted for 16 freight trips and 19,140 tonnes.
January recorded the highest volume for ENL terminals with 16,500 tonnes moved, while February and March recorded 15,780 tonnes and 15,300 tonnes respectively.
The steady performance, according to maritime analysts, reflects the growing acceptance of rail as a viable cargo evacuation alternative, especially for bulk cargo importers.
The resurgence in rail freight movement is coming amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government and port stakeholders to address the persistent congestion around the Apapa and Tin Can port corridors.
For years, Lagos ports have battled crippling traffic congestion caused by excessive dependence on roads for cargo evacuation.
Industry operators have repeatedly argued that the failure to maximize rail infrastructure significantly worsened logistics costs, cargo delays, environmental pollution, and road deterioration.
However, the latest NRC figures suggest that investments in rail infrastructure and collaboration between terminal operators and the railway corporation may have started to yield measurable results.
