SIFAX Group has opened a new container terminal in Lagos as a response to the difficulties experienced by stakeholders in accessing the Lagos ports.
Speaking at the commissioning of the facility situated along the Ebute Metta Creek, Ijora, Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said the company decided to invest in the facility to make the process of cargo clearing a wonderful experience as opposed to what is obtainable currently.
Afolabi, who was represented by the Group Managing Director of SIFAX, Adekunle Oyinloye, said the new terminal, which would be a model facility and sits on 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 occasioned by the traffic congestion experienced by port users compelled the group to look for a solution that addresses these seemingly intractable problems. With this terminal, agents, truckers and consignees don’t have to go to the ports before getting their consignments cleared.”
Afolabi said consignments would be transferred primarily through barges from both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports to the new facility, 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.” Afolabi said.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of SIFAX Container Terminal, Paul Linden, expressed the readiness of the terminal to exceed the expectations of clients through the acquisition of 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.
Also speaking, Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, who was represented by Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Onari Brown, 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 NPA in realising the vision of the new business.
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium and Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup, lauded SIFAX Group for always being at the forefront of innovations in the maritime sector.
