In the bid to reduce traffic gridlock experience by stakeholder in accessing the Lagos port and also to facilitate export trade, the SIFAX Group has opened a new terminal along the Ebute Metta Creek, Ijora, Lagos.
The SIFAX Group which is a conglomerate with investments in Maritime, Aviation, Logistics, Oil & Gas, Hospitality and Financial Services sectors, commissioned the new container terminal earlier today.
Speaking at the official commissioning of the facility, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, disclosed that 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.
Dr Afolabi, who was represented by the Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Mr. Adekunle Oyinloye, , said the new terminal, which would be a model 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 hinted that the SIFAX Container Terminal, Ijora, Lagos is the conglomerate modest response to a major issue in the maritime industry in terms of access to Lagos ports.
Adding that the logistics nightmare in Apapa occasioned by the traffic congestion experienced by port users compelled the group to look for a solution that addresses thus seemingly intractable problem. “With this terminal, agents, truckers and consignees don’t have to go to the ports before getting their consignments cleared” he said.
On the unique advantages of the terminal, Afolabi disclosed that 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.
He said further “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.”
While in his business presentation during the commissioning, the Managing Director of the new terminal, Mr. 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.
He noted that the new terminal would address the need for expeditious export processes, reducing the logistics constraints which have led to spoilt exported products.
On her part, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, , who was represented by Hon. Onari Brown, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, 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 however promised the support and cooperation of the agency in realizing the vision of the new business.
Also speaking at the commissioning, Princess Vicky Haastrup, Executive Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium and Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) lauded SIFAX Group for always being at the forefront of innovations in the country’s maritime sector.
Eminent dignitaries who graced the occasion are; Oba Fatai Oyeyinka, Ojora of Ijora land; Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos state Commissioner of Police and Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, President General, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
Others are Mohammed Abba Kura, Customs Area Controller, Apapa Command. Dr kayode Farinto, Vice President Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) and Hajia Bola Muse, President Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) Nigeria chapter.
