The terminal, commissioned in October 2020, was established
to alleviate the difficulties experienced by various port users, including
truckers, shipping lines, agents and consignees, in accessing the Apapa ports
due to the congestion within that area that has defied all solutions. The
terminal operates by moving consignments to its facility through barges for
onward delivery to customers, thereby avoiding traffic congestion.
According to Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice
Chairman, SIFAX Group, “It sounds so unbelievable that the off dock terminal is
just one year old, going by the impact made in such a short period of time.
Our stakeholders have been treated to a whole new experience
in cargo clearance. Consignments are moved to the terminal through barges
without the hassles of traffic congestion. Goods are cleared in record time
while the location of the terminal makes it attractive for truckers. All these
have increased our patronage and made the initial terminal capacity inadequate
to satisfy the increasing demand.”
The terminal has consequently acquired adjoining properties
to increase its total capacity from the 15,000 square meters at inception to
83,000 square meters. In order to ensure that the terminal operates in line
with global standards in terms of infrastructure, the company has contracted
China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) Nigeria Limited, a
world-class construction company, for the construction of the terminal’s
pavement.
Contract signing ceremony between SIFAX Shipping ICT
Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group and China Civil Engineering Construction
Company (CCECC) Nigeria Limited for construction of terminal pavement.
According to Linden, “CCECC is a notable construction
company with a track record of excellent service across the country. Having
expanded the size of the terminal, we needed to put the terminal floor in a
world-class state and that’s the reason CCECC was contracted. Due to the
heavy-duty equipment that have been deployed, a super solid concrete surface
that can withstand the pressure became necessary. We are excited with this
agreement signed with CCECC and we are convinced they will deliver the project
within the agreed.”
He further stated that some of the future plan of the
terminal, which has been positioned as a model in terms of technology
deployment, modern facilities, excellent customer service and infrastructural
development, include the building of a strong quay in readiness to berth feeder
vessels, as well as the purchase of more cargo handling equipment and a transit
park for trucks using the facility.
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