SIFAX Group, a Nigerian multi-sector conglomerate, has opened a new container terminal at the Port of Lagos in a response to the difficulties experienced by business, importers and exporters.
Speaking at a formal commissioning of the facility, Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, said the company’s aim was to improve the processing of cargo and Nigerian trade.
Afolabi said the new terminal, which would be a model terminal and sits on an 11 acres of land, will “leverage on technology and innovations” to deliver an unparalleled customer experience as well as cutting-edge inland container services.
He said: “The SIFAX Container Terminal, Ijora, Lagos is our modest response to a major issue in the maritime industry – access to Lagos ports. The logistics nightmare in Apapa occasioned by the traffic congestion experienced by port users compelled the group to look for a solution that addresses this seemingly intractable problem.
“With this terminal, agents, truckers and consignees don’t have to go to the ports before getting their consignments cleared.”
Afolabi also said consignment would be transferred primarily through barges from both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, adding that the good road network in the area also offers clients faster and efficient cargo clearing.
“Another key advantage of this terminal is that it is IT-driven. The Group has decided to invest in technology to sustain the business to our clients’ satisfaction,” he said.
Paul Linden, Managing Director, SIFAX Container Terminal, said the terminal would exceed expectations and acquire modern cargo equipment and deployment of an experienced and professional workforce backed by the over three-decade experience of SIFAX Group in the maritime industry.
Hadiza Bala Usman, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, commended SIFAX Group for its solution-driven mindset and aggressiveness in pursuing the dream of getting the terminal ready for operations in record time. She promised the support and cooperation of the agency in realizing the vision of the new business.
