SIFAX wins Ebute-Ojo ferry terminal concession in Lagos

SIFAX Group has been given the concession approval by the Lagos State Government to operate and maintain the Ebute-Ojo Ferry Terminal in Ojo local council area for a period of 10 years.

Under the concession agreement, SIFAX Group will take charge of the ferry berthing terminal, the car park space, passenger and other services that will transform the terminal into a world class station.

Speaking at the formal handover ceremony of the facility, the Executive Secretary, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Falase Pekun, said the choice of SIFAX Group was hinged on its excellent track record and a convincing business proposal.

“SIFAX Group has relevant experience in infrastructure concessioning. One of its subsidiaries, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, is the concessionaire of Terminal C of the Tin-Can Island Port, and it has done so well in the last 11 years. The business proposal submitted was also very realistic and interesting,” he said.

Pekun also noted that the concession of ferry terminals to experienced operators is one of the executions of the Lagos State Government’s multi-modal transport initiative, aimed at providing efficient and effective transportation options for teeming Lagosians.

“We believe the PPP business model is the quickest way to activate this plan and that’s the reason our ferry terminals will be managed by private operators,” he said.

The General Manager, Business Development and Strategic Planning, Saheed Lasisi, who represented Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Group Executive Vice Chairman, SIFAX Group at the ceremony, expressed delight at the State Government’s choice of the Group, as the preferred concessionaire of the terminal.

He promised that the Group would surpass the expectations of the government in transforming water transportation in the state.

He said: “Over the years, SIFAX Group has acquired both technical and professional expertise in the running of both air and sea terminals. This expertise will be deployed in the running of this ferry terminal, and we assure you that we will transform the Ebute-Ojo Ferry Terminal into a hub that is attractive to both passengers and ferry operators.”