NRC Records 24.7% Drop In Rail Freight Movement In September

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a 24.7 per cent decline in freight movement in September 2026, despite transporting a total of 169,060 cargo units during the third quarter of the year.

Operational data released by the corporation showed that freight volume dropped from 61,980 in August to 46,640 in September, representing a reduction of 15,340 within one month.

The figures, covering the period between July and September, indicated that cargo movement stood at 60,440 in July before increasing to 61,980 in August, its highest monthly volume for the quarter.

The September performance was the lowest recorded during the three-month period, raising concerns over the declining patronage of rail freight services by port users.

A breakdown of the figures showed that standard-gauge services accounted for 166,180, representing approximately 98.3 per cent of the total quarterly freight volume, while narrow-gauge operations contributed 2,880, all recorded in July.

No freight movement was recorded on the narrow-gauge network in August and September.

Among the standard-gauge freight categories, container services recorded the highest quarterly volume of 41,840. The category moved 14,280 in July, 13,200 in August and 14,360 in September, representing an 8.8 per cent increase from the preceding month.

CCECC Track Access recorded a steady improvement, rising from 8,800 in July to 8,880 in August and 8,960 in September, bringing its quarterly total to 26,640.

However, other freight categories experienced declines. Bueno Cement recorded 37,260 during the quarter, but its monthly volume fell from 13,800 in July to 11,040 in September.

Similarly, Bueno Gypsum recorded 13,260 during the period, with its September volume dropping to 2,760 from 6,420 in August, representing a decline of about 57 per cent.

Eromma accounted for 12,120, while Starlink and Depotter recorded 8,440 and 6,000 respectively during the quarter.

Further analysis showed that freight movement under the standard-gauge APMT traffic section totalled 115,660 between July and September.

The section recorded 39,680 in July and 43,140 in August before declining to 32,840 in September, representing a 23.9 per cent drop compared with the previous month.

Within the APMT section, Ajuba Containers accounted for 41,840, while CCECC Track Access contributed 26,640. Bueno Gypsum and Eromma recorded 13,260 and 12,120 respectively.

The operational figures were made available by the NRC’s Deputy Director of Marketing and Commercial, Yemi Odunowo.