SIFAX Shipping Inland Container Terminal (ICT) Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has celebrated its fifth anniversary, marking 5 years of transformation, innovation, and customer-focused excellence.
At an occasion held on the firm’s Lagos terminal, administration, workers, and companions mirrored on the journey that started in 2020 when the power was little greater than a swampy expanse with restricted infrastructure.
Mr. Paul Linden, Managing Director, recalled how the terminal began as an intervention to decongest Apapa ports and developed into a contemporary logistics hub.
“When we began, the ground was soft, there was no quay, and only a few warehouses stood. But we saw potential. Today, SIFAX ICT is a functional, world-class terminal that reflects years of investment and teamwork,” he mentioned.
Linden highlighted main milestones, together with the primary barge operation in December 2020, in depth ground reinforcement, and the introduction of Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes, a uncommon characteristic amongst inland depots in Nigeria.
“The transformation has been incredible. We are now completing the final phase of our 15,000-square-metre upgrade to bring the entire terminal to full standard.” he added.
While reflecting on the progress made on the terminal, Linden mentioned the journey had not been clean crusing.
“When we started, the site was overgrown and flooded. We began with what we called Lot Four, resurfaced the floors, and created access for barge operations. We started with just one terminal, but today, we run two – terminals A and B. From 46,000 square metres in 2020, we’ve grown to over 82,000 square metres today. The vision of the terminal is also driven by competent and motivated workforce.”
Mr. Cashmir Ihedioha, the terminal’s Chief Security Officer, defined how collaboration with businesses like NIMASA, NPA, and the Lagos State Task Force remodeled the once-chaotic atmosphere right into a well-regulated facility.
“We introduced a structured traffic system and installed 69 CCTV cameras to ensure round-the-clock surveillance. The terminal is fully compliant with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code,” he mentioned.
Looking forward, Linden mentioned the terminal was getting ready to construct a quay wall to permit direct vessel calls and cut back dependence on congested seaports.
“We’ve secured approval for direct vessel operations. Once complete, the project will redefine how inland terminals operate in Nigeria,” he famous, including that plans are underway to transform a lot of the terminal’s tools to gas-powered ones for cleaner and greener operations.
