Rail services: APM Terminals engages agricultural shippers, Oyo Govt
By Seun Ibiyemi
The leadership of APM Terminals Apapa recently met with the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Government, Tilewa Folami, alongside agricultural commodities importers and exporters, to gain deeper insights into their logistical challenges and requirements. The meeting also served as a platform to present the advantages of the Apapa-Moniya rail service.
Steen Knudsen, Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, led the delegation, which included Adetunji Igbaugba, Marketing and Commercial Intelligence Manager at APM Terminals Nigeria; Jan Jensen, Way of Working Senior Lead at APM Terminals Apapa; and Adesoji Olaniyan, Key Client Manager at APM Terminals Apapa.
The engagement commenced with a rail journey from Ebute-Metta to Moniya, followed by an inspection of the Moniya rail terminal.
Subsequently, the team attended a luncheon with agricultural commodities stakeholders, including the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Government and Director at IITA, Tilewa Folami.
During discussions, Steen Knudsen remarked: “The objective of the Apapa-Moniya rail service is to enhance access to Nigeria’s hinterland, facilitating seamless participation in international trade.
“This is particularly crucial for perishable agricultural goods, which require a consistent and dependable logistics network.
“The initiative will significantly enhance business prospects for importers and exporters in the hinterland, who rely on a structured rail schedule to transport their goods efficiently to Apapa Port.”
Accompanying the APM Terminals delegation were Jette Bjerrum, Denmark’s Consul General and Trade Counsellor, along with Victoria Epelle, Commercial Trade Advisor to the Danish Consulate.
Consul General Jette Bjerrum underscored Denmark’s extensive commercial engagement in Nigeria, particularly in strengthening the agricultural value chain.
She stated: “Denmark is committed to supporting local industries in exports, agriculture, energy, and livestock, with government-backed initiatives in the cold chain sector aimed at boosting market efficiency.”
Discussing ongoing road infrastructure projects designed to enhance connectivity—including the link between Shaki and Benin—Tilewa Folami outlined the state’s industrialisation and agricultural development agenda.
He stressed the strategic role of the Apapa-Moniya rail service in effective logistics planning, preventing congestion as the region prepares to host a new city and the largest market in West Africa, in collaboration with France.
Tilewa Folami said: “It would be beneficial for APM Terminals to provide us with regular updates on the progress of the rail service, including weekly and monthly reports. Additionally, establishing a local office in Moniya to manage customer enquiries would be highly advantageous.
“The Oyo State Government, on its part, is progressing plans for a cargo and international passenger airport, a stronger focus on local trade, and an upcoming investment summit in May, which will attract 150 companies and regional investors.”
Several agricultural importers and exporters who participated in the discussions shared perspectives on their businesses, challenges, and requirements. Key topics raised included the feasibility of booking shipments from Ibadan without needing to travel to Lagos, the necessity for cold chain logistics, the role of government data-sharing in attracting investment, and the potential for cargo consolidation at the terminal.
Last month, in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, APM Terminals Apapa launched the Apapa-Moniya rail service, which operates thrice weekly, facilitating the movement of cargo in and out of Lagos.
