SIFAX Group and its aviation partner, Changi Airports International of Singapore have opened discussions on strategic collaboration with the Federal Government and Lagos State government to further 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, but 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 Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, the Group restated its commitment to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector, explaining that the company can contribute substantially to the growth of the sector, which will positively impact the nation in 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 case 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 concessions 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.
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“We are also turning around the Warri Terminal B in 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.”
Director, International Projects, Changi Airports International, Roy Toh, 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 and we hope to replicate our success in Nigeria. This is why we have partnered with SIFAX Group with a credible track record and we are open to collaboration with the government.”
Also speaking, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who commended SIFAX Group for its various investments in the state that have contributed immensely to its economic growth, assured that the state remains open to partnership with the company.
