FG commends SIFAX initiative on Ijora terminal

Segun Oladipupo |

Following the acquisition of a new bonded terminal in ijora area of Lagos state, SIFAX Group said the federal government has promised to support its vision.

Philips Ojo, Corporate Communications officer of the group, made this claim in Lagos on Monday.

SIFAX had said that the new terminal is intended to solve traffic challenges experienced around the Lagos port because of its location that will make it easy to receive containers from both Apapa and Tincan Island ports.

The statement stated that the Ministry of Transportation visited the facility for assessment and expressed satisfaction with the facilities provided in the terminal.

According to the release, the delegation was led by Director, Maritime Services, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Auwalu Suleiman who applauded the Group for the huge vision it had set for the inland container depot.

He said: “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”.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group, who was represented by Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, SIFAX Off Dock, 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 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.