Since its establishment as a terminal operator in 2006, Tincan Island Container Terminal (TICT) has played a pivotal role in boosting Nigeria’s economy by enhancing maritime operations and fostering trade facilitation.
Strategically located at the Tin-Can Island Port Complex, Lagos, TICT has emerged as one of Nigeria’s busiest and most efficient container terminals, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.
TICT has invested heavily in state-of-the-art equipment and digital infrastructure to streamline operations at the port, reducing turnaround times for vessels and expediting cargo handling. These improvements have made Nigeria’s ports more competitive regionally and globally.
“Our commitment has been to modernize the port system and facilitate seamless trade flows for businesses across Nigeria. Over the years, we have reduced delays, improved efficiency, and supported the Federal Government’s drive toward a diversified economy,” TICT Managing Director, Etienne Rocher, said recently.
He said TICT has also been at the forefront of employing eco-friendly practices, incorporating energy-efficient machinery and promoting sustainability, further aligning its operations with global environmental standards.
The terminal has significantly contributed to job creation, employing thousands of Nigerians both directly and indirectly. Additionally, it has launched extensive capacity-building initiatives, including training programs to empower its workforce and improve skills in the maritime sector.
“Working with TICT has not only provided me with financial stability but also given me opportunities to grow professionally. The company’s focus on training has allowed many of us to acquire skills that are valuable in the maritime industry,” an employee said.
Through these efforts, TICT has contributed to reducing unemployment and bolstering local expertise in port management and logistics.
Nigeria’s import and export activities have been significantly enhanced due to TICT’s efficient operations. The terminal handles a substantial portion of Nigeria’s containerized cargo, facilitating the movement of goods across key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and retail.
Dr. Segun Ayodele, a trade economist, praised TICT’s role in trade facilitation: “The improvements at TICT have been instrumental in supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) that rely on imports and exports. This has had a ripple effect on Nigeria’s GDP, especially in non-oil sectors.”
The terminal’s operations align with the Federal Government’s vision to reduce dependency on oil revenue and strengthen Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy. Its efficient handling of goods has also contributed to lowering the cost of doing business for many Nigerian enterprises.
Beyond port operations, TICT has demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The terminal has funded numerous community development projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure within Lagos and its environs. These initiatives reflect the company’s dedication to uplifting local communities and ensuring shared prosperity.
In October 2022, TICT built and commissioned an ultramodern Labour Building for the use of dockworkers at the port. The Managing Director of TICT, Mr. Etienne Rocher, said the facility was built to provide a safe and conducive work environment for the dockworkers. He said the building is fully furnished and equipped with air-conditioning system, constant electricity supply, water, showers, meeting rooms, rest rooms and cloakrooms.
The gesture was commended by the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and other labour leaders that were present at the event.
Also in November this year, TICT completed a significant infrastructure upgrade at Randle Secondary School in Apapa. The initiative aims to create a more engaging and impactful learning environment for students and staff of the school.
The upgrade includes the renovation of 14 washrooms for staff and students, as well as the modernization of the information and communication technology (ICT) room with the addition of 10 high-tech computers, 2 UPS, 1 printer, and other essential equipment. These improvements will enable students to learn foundational computer skills that are crucial in today’s digital world. This solidarity initiative was executed to coincide with a global event (Solidarity Day) organized by Africa Global Logistics, the parent company of TICT, to strengthen ties with local communities.
Akinboyowa Peter, Principal of Randle Secondary School, expressed his gratitude to TICT for upgrading the school, noting the positive impact it has had on the school community.
Tosan Wiltshire, representative of the Apapa Local Government, also praised TICT for its commitment to creating a conducive learning environment and encouraged other businesses to follow suit.
“On behalf of the Chairman of Apapa LG, I would like to thank TICT for the wonderful execution of this project. We want to urge other business organizations to emulate this kind of gesture to make learning interesting for our students at Apapa. We will be committed to helping the school dispose of their waste in a timely and efficient manner so that the learning environment can remain clean and healthy,” Wiltshire said.
As TICT looks toward the future, the company plans to continue investing in innovation and expanding its capacity to meet the growing demands of Nigeria’s economy. The terminal is poised to remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s maritime sector for years to come.
The remarkable strides made by TICT since 2006 underscore its vital role in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. By modernizing infrastructure, fostering trade, and supporting local communities, the terminal has proven itself to be more than a business — it is a key driver of national development.
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