By Foster Obi
SIFAX Group said on Monday that the federal government has promised to support its effort as regards the acquisition of new bonded terminal in Ijora area of Lagos.
A statement by the company said the new terminal is designed to solve traffic gridlock experienced around the Lagos port, adding that the new terminal will make it easy to receive containers from both Apapa and Tincan Island ports.
SIFAX said that a delegation from the Ministry of Transportation which paid visit to the terminal for assessment, were pleased with the facilities.
The statement noted that the delegation led by Director, Maritime Services, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Auwalu Suleiman praised the Group for the laudable vision it had set for the inland container depot.
“We are here at the instance of the Minister of Transportation to inspect the terminal and make sure that it conforms to all the relevant requirements stipulated by law in setting up an inland container terminal.
” So far, we are impressed with the standards you have set in terms of space, equipment, facilities, your vision and future plan.
“It is also our intention to recommend to the government that this terminal should be adopted as a model for all future off docks that would be sited in Nigeria.
” We have compiled all your needs and complaints and they will be forwarded to all the relevant authorities for proper and immediate action,” the statement quoted the ministry rep as saying.
Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, , who was represented by Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, SIFAX Off Dock, told the government officials that the terminal’s concept and design were in line with existing SIFAX Group business plan of continuous expansion, proffering solutions, growing improvements in the maritime sector and the logistics value chain, meeting customers’ expectations and complying with government’s regulations.
He also appealed for government’s support in achieving the vision of the terminal, especially the dredging of the waterways so barges could access the terminal.
Pix: The unveiling of the new Sifax terminal, Ijora, recently
