Sifax Group and its aviation partner, Changi Airports International, Singapore have expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Federal and the Lagos State government on aviation development in the country.
To this end, they have opened discussions on what they called “strategic collaboration” with the two tiers of government.
It is on record that Sifax Group, through one of its subsidiaries, SAHCO Plc is already a major player in the aviation ground handling space.
The conglomerate said in a statement made available to Maritime Bits that the consortium is looking to explore more business prospects in the sector such as aviation terminal management, airline management and development and other ancillary services.
According to the statement which was signed by Sifax Group Head of Corporate Communication, Mr. Muyiwa Akande, in various meetings recently with the Vice President, Kasim Shettima, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, it reiterated its commitment to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector, explaining that the company has the capacity to contribute substantially to the growth of the sector, which will positively impact the nation in terms of job creation, tourism development and economic growth.
Chairman of the consortium, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, noted that Sifax Group has a track record of turning around enterprises for profitability in Nigeria and beyond.
Citing the example of SAHCO Plc which was carved out of the defunct Nigeria Airways and was concessioned to the group in 2009, Afolabi noted that Sifax Group has invested heavily in growing it to become the number one cargo handling company in West Africa, as well as being listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE).
His words: “SAHCO is a very good example of the Group’s capacity and expertise in turning around enterprises for growth and profitability. Our port terminal at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos is also another example we can reference to solidify our claims. It was in a bad shape when we won the concessioning in 2006 but years down the line, we are proud of the innovations we have introduced that have transformed the terminal to the leading indigenous terminal in the Lagos port.
“We are also turning around the fortune of Warri Terminal B, in Warri Delta State which was abandoned for years. All of these experiences and expertise alongside our technical partnership with Changi Airports International can be put at the disposal of the Federal Government and Lagos State government in their quests to float their respective airlines and the development and management of airport terminals across the country.”
The Director, International Projects, Changi Airports International, Roy Toh was quoted in the statement saying that its partnership with Sifax Group would enable the consortium to replicate what Changi Airports had done across the globe.
“The Singapore Airport is a global reference of how aviation terminal management can be done successfully. We hope to replicate our success here in Nigeria. This is why we have partnered a company with credible track record, Sifax Group and we are open to collaboration with the government”, he said.
Apparently please with the development, Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded Sifax Group for its various investments in the state that have contributed greatly to its economic growth, assuring that the state is open to partner with the company.
