By Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have agreed to strengthen relationships to address logistics challenges in the port.
The agreement was reached when the NPCC visited the Managing Director of NRC, Mr Freeborn Okhiria, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Chairman NPCC, Bolaji Sunmola, said the visit was an opportunity to introduce and resuscitate the relationship between the NRC and the council.
Sunmola said the visit would pave ways for functional transportation in Nigeria.
He noted that partnership between the NPCC and the NRC could lead to synergies that benefit both the rail and maritime sectors.
“By working together, we can address logistical challenges, improve intermodal connectivity, and ultimately enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.
“We will be delighted to explore these collaborative opportunities further and explore how our council can support the NRC in achieving set objectives,” he said.
He listed the core responsibilities of NPCC to include advisory roles, advocacy, consulting services and arbitration.
Also, a member of the council, Capt. Emmanuel Ebubeogu, commended the management of NRC on rail line transformation.
Ebubeogu, however, urged the council to look into the level crossing that lacks a keeper and barrier along the dockyard road inward Navy and the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“I develop `goose pimples’ anytime I pass there because the house has been broken down as a result of modernisation but this should be addressed immediately.
“In transport, the first policy is safety, a competent transport and port system should ensure safety at all times,” he said.
Responding, Okhiria, represented by Director of Operations, NRC, Mr Akin Osinowo, noted that the support from the NPCC would drive change in the port.
“One of the areas we need support from the NPCC is in the expansion of the rail system to move the NRC into modern time in the rail system.
“The NRC has a track access system which the Lagos State Government has keyed into; they have been cohabiting with the corporation to push transportation in the state.
“Our infrastructure is not being used to its full capacity, we are working out structure for its commercial use and as a neutral body, we need your support on this,” he said.