The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has launched its long-awaited cargo freight service on the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s logistics and transportation industry. The announcement was made on Friday via the official X account (formerly Twitter) of John Zhao, the company’s representative in Nigeria.
The launch of the cargo service follows months of preparation and planning, providing a new avenue for moving goods efficiently along the critical Lagos-Ibadan corridor. The inaugural freight journey marked the beginning of CCECC’s self-operated railway freight service, showcasing a seamless and fully integrated logistics system for both imports and exports in the region.
The first cargo train, which departed from the Ajuba Bonded Terminal, was loaded with goods and headed towards the Apapa Port in Lagos. Upon arrival at the port, the goods were unloaded, and the train was loaded with import containers for the return trip back to Ajuba Terminal. This circular transportation model aims to offer reliable, regular, and efficient services for businesses that need to move goods between these critical hubs.
The launch of this cargo service is a part of CCECC’s broader efforts to streamline logistics operations in Nigeria, making the transportation of goods by rail a more viable option for businesses. This freight service is expected to cut down on transportation costs and provide an eco-friendly alternative to road transport, which has often been plagued by congestion and high costs.
In a post on X, Zhao stated: “CCECC recently launched its self-operated railway freight service in Nigeria with the inaugural run of a cargo train on the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, marking the official commencement of commercial freight operations.”
He added that the newly established cross-border rail transport model, which operates in both directions, is designed to streamline logistics operations for both imports and exports, thus fostering a more efficient and effective transportation system.
This launch follows the approval by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), which granted CCECC a three-year operational license to run freight services on the Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge railway line. The operational license is valid from October 14, 2024, to October 13, 2027. The license is a major milestone, as CCECC becomes the first company in Nigeria to be granted permission to operate standard-gauge rail freight services, a significant achievement in the country’s rail sector.
This marks the beginning of a new era in Nigeria’s rail infrastructure, where freight services are set to play a more prominent role in the transportation and logistics sectors. The licensing of CCECC for this service underscores the increasing importance of modern railway infrastructure in supporting Nigeria’s economic growth and improving its global trade competitiveness.
The Lagos-Ibadan Railway, a key infrastructure project constructed by CCECC, was officially launched in June 2021. Spanning a total of 157 kilometers, with an additional 7-kilometer branch line, this railway line connects two of Nigeria’s most important cities—Lagos, the nation’s commercial hub, and Ibadan, a major industrial center in the southwest. The line supports high-speed trains, reaching speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour.
The Lagos-Ibadan Railway has already been operating safely for over 1,000 days, according to CCECC’s website. Since its launch, the railway has transported over 2 million passengers, demonstrating its success in easing the transportation burden in the region. In addition to passenger services, CCECC has also played a key role in providing operational support, technical assistance, and workforce training programs aimed at ensuring the continued efficiency and safety of the rail system.
As the Lagos-Ibadan Railway continues to gain popularity for both passengers and freight, the launch of the cargo service is expected to further increase its impact on the local economy, particularly by enhancing trade and logistics operations between Lagos and other key markets in the southwest.
In another significant development in Nigeria’s rail sector, the Nigerian Railway Corporation and APM Terminals Apapa relaunched the Apapa-Ibadan standard-gauge freight rail service in February 2025. This service now operates on a fixed schedule, with departures every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, enhancing freight logistics along the Lagos-Ibadan rail corridor.
This move is expected to provide consistent, reliable, and timely freight services, making it easier for businesses to transport goods along this important route. By operating on a regular schedule, the service will help businesses plan their logistics operations more effectively and reduce delays associated with freight transportation.
The combination of these developments is set to transform the logistics landscape in Nigeria, as businesses will now have access to more efficient and cost-effective ways to transport their goods. Additionally, the shift towards rail transport will help reduce the strain on the country’s road infrastructure, which has often been congested and poorly maintained, leading to delays and higher transportation costs.
