The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Monday said it is making strategic moves to reduce cargo costs nationwide through the expansion of rail lines.
Executive Secretary of the council, Pius Akutah, stated this during his maiden visit to Kaduna, where he interacted with staff of the council and members of the Kaduna State Shippers Association (KSSA).
Akutah reiterated that rail transportation remains the most efficient and cost-effective method for moving goods from the hinterland to seaports.
“Rail transportation is the best and most effective, and it is the cheapest means of transporting cargoes from the hinterland to the seaport,” he said.
He highlighted the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NSC and the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC), aimed at expanding rail lines and systems across the country.
“The benefit of the MOU signed with the Nigerian Railway Corporation is that we will keep pushing for the expansion of rail lines and systems across the country for the benefit of the shippers. This will reduce the price and charges of cargo shipment across the country,” Akutah said.
Akutah also revealed that discussions are ongoing with the federal government to repair and exclusively utilise the old light gauge rail lines for cargo movement. He acknowledged the high cost of rail infrastructure development but stated its importance for the nation’s economic growth.
He commended the role of shippers associations, describing them as crucial partners in the council’s efforts to safeguard traders’ interests and support trade activities across Nigeria.