Ime Akpan
SIFAX Group has taken a swipe at the federal government for delaying the renewal of port concession agreement both parties initially signed in 2006.
The managing director, Ports and Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, Mr. John Jenkins, expressed his displeasure for the development during a visit to the company by a team from the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) led by the head, complaints unit, Mr. Bashir Mohammed.
Jenkins said the delay had destabilised the company’s operations, caused uncertainties among customers as well as hindered potential new business opportunities.
Ports and Cargo terminal is one of the port operators waiting on the government for the renewal of their port concession which expired a few years ago.
Jenkins who was visibly angry while addressing the NSC visiting team said the renewal process of the concession has been stalled since the contract expired in 2021, despite meeting all the necessary terms for a new contract renewal.
“Ports and Cargo remains one of the leading terminal operators in Nigeria with our record of exceptional service delivery, trade facilitation, many jobs created, and diverse social responsibility footprints across the country.
“This delay in our concession renewal has tremendously affected our terminal, as our customers are worried about the future of their operations here.
“Without a new concession in place, they are hesitant to enter into long-term agreements, which is not good for our business,” he said.
Earlier, Mohammed had said that objective of the visit was to familiarise with the operators in the sector and explore ways of cooperation.
He lauded the terminal for its impact and contributions to the growth of the industry in particular and the nation at large.
He emphasised that one of the key objectives of the Council was to ensure that service providers, consumers, and other stakeholders in the shipping sector experience prompt and fair resolution of complaints.
“We are committed to adding value to the nation’s economy through effective regulation and collaboration with service providers,” he said.
He noted the complaint about the concession renewal, adding that the NSC, as the industry economic regulator, would use its influence to expedite the approval process.
