By Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said it recorded significant cargo haulage in the second quarter of 2025, moving a total of 159,130 tonnes of goods across its standard and narrow-gauge lines.
This is according to data obtained exclusively by our correspondent from the Corporation.
In a chat with our correspondent, the Deputy Director, Marketing and Commercial, NRC, Mr. Yemi Odunowo, gave a detailed breakdown of the movements. He disclosed that the standard gauge accounted for the bulk of operations, with a total of 146,120 tonnes. Of this figure, cement topped the list with 35,880 tonnes, while import and export (I&E) containers made up 85,600 tonnes, and other commodities accounted for 24,640 tonnes, all moved between Lagos and Ibadan.
On the narrow-gauge side, Odunowo said 13,010 tonnes were lifted, comprising 34,760 tonnes of I&E containers moved between Ebutemeta, Iddo, Ijoko, and APMT, as well as 2,250 tonnes of cement moved to Oshogbo and Ilorin.
He further revealed that, in terms of frequency, the standard gauge recorded 26 trips for cement, 98 for I&E containers, and 17 for ENL cargoes, while the narrow gauge recorded 49 trips for containers and five for cement.
While noting that the performance demonstrates rail’s growing relevance in cargo evacuation from Lagos ports, Odunowo lamented the challenges still crippling operations. According to him, the Corporation is grappling with shortages of locomotives and wagons, which severely limit the number of trips that can be made despite the high demand from shippers.
He explained that many freight customers are willing to move more cargo by rail, but the Corporation is constrained by inadequate rolling stock. “We need more locomotives and spares for both locomotives and wagons, and the procurement of additional wagons is a pressing requirement,” he said.
Odunowo also raised alarm over vandalism of railway infrastructure, describing it as a recurring nightmare for the agency. He disclosed that vital track fittings such as clips, rails, and sleepers have been stolen in several locations, compromising safety and causing delays. “The cost of replacing vandalised track furniture is enormous, and each incident disrupts cargo schedules, making it harder for us to sustain shippers’ confidence,” he said.
Adding to the woes, Odunowo pointed out that the heavy rains in recent weeks have raised fresh concerns about track stability, with flooded sections and weakened sleepers threatening service reliability. He said the NRC has been carrying out frequent inspections, but in some cases, services had to be suspended for safety reasons.
Despite the challenges, industry observers say the Q2 cargo results mark a positive trajectory for the Corporation. Analysts point to the large volumes of cement and containers as proof that rail is gradually regaining its place in Nigeria’s logistics chain, particularly as road congestion and fuel costs continue to rise.
They also argue that moving I&E containers by rail has helped reduce pressure on Apapa and Tin Can corridors, even if marginally, and could play a much larger role if more locomotives and wagons are deployed.
However, they warn that the NRC’s momentum could be undermined if the issues of vandalism and locomotive shortages are not urgently addressed.
