One of the concessionaires in the nation’s seaports, Sifax Group has kicked off a ferry service in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
The Sifax Group with diverse interests in maritime, aviation, haulage and logistics, oil and gas and hospitality is the concessionaire of Terminal C, in Nigeria’s second busiest seaport, Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos which it won after a protracted legal battle with its rivals.
The ferry service operation starts from its newly-concessioned terminal, Ebute Ojo Jetty, in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The company in a statement made available to Maritime Bits said two 30-passengers capacity ultra-modern boats have been deployed for these operations.
The ferry service operates from Ebute Ojo-Apapa (Liverpool) and Mile 2 (Capital Oil Jetty) to Apapa routes from 7am to 7pm every week day while charter services are also available every day for private individuals and fun seekers who want to explore the Lagos water fronts.
According to Captain Olugbade Ibrahim, Managing Consultant to SIFAX Ferry Terminal, Ojo, the desire to increase transport options for commuters and to support the efforts of the Lagos State government to develop the state’s water transportation sector, accounted for the new venture.
Continuing, he said: “We are conscious of adding value and bring new innovations to the waterway business. Our business goals and objectives are well aligned with that of the Lagos State Government in the massive development of the waterways. This has prompted us to acquire these two ferries, which we are starting with, as we have plans to increase the number soon. The ferries we use are the same with what is obtainable in advanced countries. It is safe, fast, convenient, spacious, durable and manned by experts with tested experience. Our on-board safety procedure is excellent.”
He noted that the ferry service alongside other facilities at the terminal would provide passengers excellent customer service experience, which is the hallmark of the Sifax Group brand.
“The two boats that service the Ebute-Ojo ferry terminal to Apapa and Mile 2 have 500 horse power engines each. As a company that is safety conscious, we have acquired the best brand of life jackets too. In-flight entertainment is also guaranteed for our customers that come on board. We have excellent customer service personnel to also attend to customer’s complaints and suggestions too. In no time, we will add more ferries and open up more routes across Lagos waterways. We also want to make the service first class. The terminal building itself will be equipped with Wi-Fi, eateries and banks,” he said.
While corroborating Olugbade’s position, Group Managing Director, Sifax Group, Mr. John Jenkins, said the company’s massive investment in the water transportation is part of the overall strategic plan of the company to deepen its commitment in the country’s transport sector, thereby, providing more jobs, solving a social problem, supporting government’s initiative and helping grow the country’s economy.”
