The Nigerian Ministry of Transportation has lauded SIFAX Group for the establishment of SIFAX Container Terminal at Ijora, Lagos just as it expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided in the terminal.
The ministry however promised to support SIFAX Group towards the speedy growth of the new terminal.
The Director, Maritime Services, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Auwalu Suleiman, stated this when the Ministerial Implementation Committee paid an assessment visit to the new terminal in Lagos.
“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,” said Auwalu.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, informed 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.
Afolabi, who was represented by Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, SIFAX Off Dock, 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.
The committee is made up of officials from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and National Inland Waterways (NIWA).
SIFAX Container Terminal located was established by SIFAX Group to address the challenge of traffic congestion around the Lagos ports. Its vantage position, which is on the fringes of the port environment, will allow it to receive consignments from both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports through barges, without the complications of traffic congestion that has adversely affected businesses and port activities.
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