APM Terminals Apapa Engages Oyo Government, Stakeholders on Logistics Challenges And Rail Service Benefits

The leadership of APM Terminals Apapa has met with the Special Adviser to the Oyo State Government, Tilewa Folami, alongside agricultural commodities importers and exporters, to address logistics challenges and highlight the benefits of the newly launched Apapa-Moniya rail service.

The delegation, led by APM Terminals Apapa Terminal Manager, Steen Knudsen, included key executives such as Adetunji Igbaugba, Jan Jensen, and Adesoji Olaniyan.

Their visit featured a rail trip from Ebute-Metta to Moniya, an inspection of the Moniya rail terminal, and a strategic discussion with agricultural stakeholders.

Knudsen emphasized that the Apapa-Moniya rail service aims to enhance trade accessibility for Nigeria’s hinterland, particularly benefiting perishable agricultural goods that require a reliable and predictable logistics network.

“The vision behind the Apapa-Moniya rail product launch is to open Nigeria’s hinterland, making it easily accessible to international trade. This is especially critical for agricultural commodities that require a scheduled, reliable, and predictable logistics service,” Knudsen stated.

Denmark’s Consul General, Jette Bjerrum, who accompanied the APM Terminals team, reiterated Denmark’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chain through trade partnerships and cold chain initiatives.

Oyo State Special Adviser, Tilewa Folami, highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, including road expansions linking Shaki to Benin, and the state’s industrialization plans.

He noted that the Apapa-Moniya rail service would ease congestion as the region prepares to host West Africa’s largest market in partnership with France.

Folami also suggested that APM Terminals provide weekly and monthly updates on the rail service and consider establishing an office in Moniya to manage customer inquiries.

“We are planning a cargo and international passenger airport, a local trade initiative, and a regional investment summit in May with over 150 participating companies,” Folami disclosed.

During the engagement, agricultural importers and exporters raised key concerns, including the need for streamlined booking from Ibadan, cold chain infrastructure, data-sharing by the Oyo State Government, and improved cargo consolidation at the terminal.

Last month, APM Terminals Apapa, in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation, launched the Apapa-Moniya rail service, which currently operates three times a week to facilitate cargo movement in and out of the port.