NPA To Support Private Sector Achieve Operational Efficiency

The managing director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, has reiterated the Authority’s unwavering commitment to partnering with and supporting private sector investors to improve efficiency in maritime logistics value chain.

Speaking when he led the minister of Transportation Muazu Jaji Sambo to the Ijora Container Terminal on the sidelines of the minister’s tour of Tincan and Apapa Port Complexes, Bello Koko, said the ijora Container Terminal of the SIFAX group was created to provide viable options to all importers, exporters and shippers.

According to him, the Ijora terminal which seats on over 40 acres of land along the Ebutte-Metta Creek symbolises the kind of efficiencies the Authority is always willing to create an enabling atmosphere for.

He said, “The Sifax Shipping Ijora Container Terminal (ICT) Limited is a subsidiary of SIFAX Group and was established with the sole aim of providing cutting-edge inland Container services and solutions leveraging on the power of technology, innovations and customer-centric approach to business.”

It’s strategically located within the precints of the Lagos ports to provide viable options to all importers, exporters and shippers.

Meanwhile, the minister of Transportation, Engr Mu’azu Sambo, has lauded SIFAX Group for its socio-economic impact on the nation and promised to support the company’s businesses in order to contribute more to the economy.

He made this known during an inspection tour of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, the flagship business of SIFAX Group at Tin Can Island Port.

According to the minister, SIFAX Group and its subsidiaries are adding great value to the Nigerian maritime sector and by extension the economy, and as such, deserves the government’s support.

He said: “I am excited at what your company is doing. You are really doing a great job. I want to assure you that we will look into the issue of concession renewal and make sure that this is wrapped up in no time. All the challenges being faced by your business have been outlined and we have begun consulting relevant agencies to make sure that we tackle them headlong.

The maritime sector is dear to my heart and with the right atmosphere it can become the major earner for government. We will make sure that this terminal will operate at maximum capacity in no time”.

While welcoming him to the terminal, John Jenkins, MD, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, noted that the company was committed to exploring the potentials of the maritime sector, adding that SIFAX Group, the parent company, is continually investing in the terminal in order to deliver best value for all customers and grow the industry.

The executive director, SIFAX Off Dock Nigeria Limited, also highlighted SIFAX Group’s intervention in the maritime sector through the development of various inland container terminals around Tin Can and Apapa Ports.

He said: “We have developed various inland container terminals around Apapa and the most important of them is SIFAX Inland Container Terminal, located at Ijora. In the nearest future, we are hoping to receive vessels at this terminal. We move boxes from various terminals to the off docks and also received empty containers too,” he said.

The minister was taken on a tour of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited and SIFAX Inland Container Terminal, Ijora, Lagos.