SIFAX Group and its aviation partner, Changi Airports International from Singapore have opened discussions on strategic collaboration with the Federal Government and Lagos State government to develop the country’s aviation sector.
SIFAX Group, through one of its subsidiaries, SAHCO Plc, is
already a major player in the aviation ground handling space. However, 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.
In various meetings recently with the Vice President, Kasim
Shettima, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Minister of
Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the Group 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.
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of the Consortium 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.
He said: “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 has 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.”
Roy Toh, Director, International Projects, Changi Airports International, said its partnership with SIFAX Group would enable the consortium to replicate what Changi Airports had done across the globe.
He said: “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”.
Governor Babajide 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.