Sifax Group has been given the concession approval by the Lagos State Government to operate and maintain the Ebute-Ojo Ferry Terminal for a period of ten years.
The company reportedly emerged the preferred bidder after a rigorous bidding process.
Speaking at the formal handover ceremony of the facility to Sifax Group, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Falase Pekun, said the choice of Sifax Group was hinged on its excellent track record and a convincing business proposal.
“Sifax Group has relevant experience in infrastructure concessioning. One of its subsidiaries, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited is the concessionaire of Terminal C of the Tin-Can Island Port and it has done so well in the last eleven years. The business proposal submitted was also very realistic and interesting,” he said.
Pekun also noted that the concession of ferry terminals to experienced operators is one of the executions of the Lagos State Government’s multi-modal transport initiative, aimed at providing efficient and effective transportation options for teeming Lagosians. We believe the PPP business model is the quickest way to activate this plan and that’s the reason our ferry terminals will be managed by private operators.
Also speaking, General Manager, Business Development and Strategic Planning, Saheed Lasisi who represented the Group Executive Vice Chairman of Sifax Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi at the ceremony, expressed delight at the state government’s choice of the company as the preferred concessionaire of the terminal. He promised that Sifax would surpass the expectations of the government in transforming water transportation in the state.
He said, “Over the years, Sifax Group has acquired both technical and professional expertise in the running of both air and sea terminals. This expertise will be deployed in the running of this ferry terminal and we assure you that we will transform the Ebute-Ojo Ferry Terminal into a hub that is attractive to both passengers and ferry operators.
“Under the concession agreement, Sifax Group will take charge of the ferry berthing terminal, the car park space, passenger services and other services that will transform the terminal into a world class station,” Lasisi said.
