..:: AUTO REPORT AFRICA ::..
Related Articles
…bags League of Maritime Editors’ award
Oluyinka Onigbinde
A member of the SIFAX Group, Ocean and Cargo Terminal Services Limited, has taken over the running of the Terminal B” Warri Old Port having won the concession with a competitive bid of $100.78 million equivalent of N37 billion and would run the terminal for 25 years.
SIFAX Group, with headquarters in Nigeria, is a multinational corporation with diverse interests in maritime, aviation, haulage & logistics, oil & gas and hospitality, with operations across West Africa.
The company had been announced the preferred bidder of the Warri Old Port, out of the seven other companies whose bids were evaluated, in April 2018.
At the formal signing ceremony and handing over of the facility to Ocean and Cargo Terminal Services Limited recently, SIFAX Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi , assured the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders that his company would turn around the fortunes of the Terminal B, Warri Old Port before long.
Only recently, the company also signed a contract with the Gambian Government to operate an inland container depot in Banjul, the country’s capital.
Afolabi said the combined industry and business experience and pedigree of all the members of the consortium gave him the confidence that the project would be another resounding success.
He expressed his appreciation to the Bureau of Public Enterprises and the Nigerian Ports Authority for the transparent manner in which the process was conducted, right from the beginning.
“This is a great news for us as a company to have led this consortium to win the concessioning of the terminal. While we are glad that we have emerged the concessionaire of the Warri Terminal, we are not unaware of the enormous responsibility this success has conferred on us.
“However, it is a familiar territory for us having operated the Terminal C at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, successfully in the last 12 years. We will fall back on the experience and expertise we have developed running the terminal to make a difference at the Warri Port. We have already begun mobilising our team to hit the ground running as soon as possible. I want to assure that in no time, the fortunes of the Warri Port will change for the best,” Afolabi said.
On his own part, the Group Managing Director, SIFAX Group, Mr. Adekunle Oyinloye, pledged that the company, noted for its adherence to international best practices and compliance with agreed convenants, would set new standards with the management of the new terminal.
“BPE, NPA and other relevant government agencies should look forward to an efficient port management system when we formally take over the control of the terminal while the clients are in for an unparalleled customer-focused service delivery that will put them at the heart of our operations. We will also adhere strictly to the terms of the concession agreement too,” he assured.
Earlier in his speech, BPE Director-General, Alex Okoh, noted that the objectives of the Federal Government in concessioning the port was to increase efficiency, improve service delivery, modernize port development, reduce the cost of shipping and clearing of goods at the ports and relieve the government of the burden of financing the sector, while urging Ocean and Cargo Terminal Services Limited to focus on these objectives as they take over the terminal.
“Government expects nothing less than strict adherence to the terms of the concession agreement. Consequently, the pursuit of your business objectives must be tailored in a way that will also assist in the realization of these objectives. I know for sure that the company has both the financial muscle and capable manpower to make the terminal a beauty to behold,” he noted.
Meanwhile, SIFAX Group has won the most outstanding indigenous terminal operator award in Nigeria. The award was conferred on the company by the League of Maritime Editors and Publishers at its 20th anniversary lecture and award ceremony held in Lagos recently.
President of the Association, Kingsley Anaroke, said the Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, the port terminal arm of SIFAX Group, stood out among the over 23 terminal operators in the country in terms of investment, service delivery and business solutions.
“SIFAX Group’s flagship company, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, has changed the face of terminal operations in Nigeria with investments in both human and equipment.
“Their customer service is excellent while their solutions are bespoke. Having looked at the company’s phenomenal growth and contributions to the development in the industry in the past years, we are convinced that they deserve to be given this award,” he said.
While receiving the award on behalf of the company, Corporate Affairs Manager, SIFAX Group,Olumuyiwa Akande, thanked the association for deeming it fit to bestow the award on the company.
“As a company, we are constantly striving to emerge the best in everything we do. Awards like this serve as a motivation not to rest on our oars. I want to assure you all, that we will continue in the tradition of excellence which SIFAX Group is known for over the years,” he said.
