By Anthony Nwachukwu
SIFAX Shipping Company Ltd has launched a direct Less-than-Container Load (LCL) export services to the United Kingdom through a strategic partnership with Netcargo UK Limited, a subsidiary of Net Cargo Group.
The development set to redefine outbound shipping from Nigeria offers a major breakthrough for businesses that have long grappled with the complexities of cross-border logistics, delays and costly transshipment processes on exports to the United Kingdom.
This alliance, according to the General Manager, Groupage and Export Services, SIFAX Shipping, Adekunle Owobamirin, provides an opportunity for Nigerian exporters, especially SMEs, to ship goods directly to the UK without consolidating through transshipment points.
According to Owobamirin, this will bring about faster turnaround times, lower costs, reduced risks and more predictable delivery schedules, as well as empower local businesses to compete more confidently on the international stage.
Owobamirin explained that this this is one of the most important moves the company has made in advancing its export portfolio, adding: “We’re now positioned to offer uninterrupted export services to the UK market, giving our clients the ease and confidence they need to grow their international trade volumes.”
Meanwhile, SIFAX Shipping has also sealed a robust import partnership with WSC Logistics and Shotto Logistics Limited, which will enable shipments from across the world, including India and China, to be routed efficiently through SIFAX’s bonded terminals and warehouses in Nigeria.
Described as a “third-party consolidator collaboration”, Owobamirin explained that this enables smaller logistics firms to leverage SIFAX Group’s well-developed infrastructure, technical know-how and bonded facilities.
According to him, “this ambitious expansion has already yielded fruit, with the first trial shipments launched in June and full operations ramping up through July. Our bonded warehouse operations have been upgraded to accommodate the surge in volume.
“The collaboration allows us to clear and dispatch cargo seamlessly, ensuring that goods keep moving and clients experience minimal delays.
“By improving direct export routes, especially to the UK, local businesses will benefit from reduced trade barriers and costs. Furthermore, the increased volume of imports handled through WSC Logistics and Shotto Logistics Limited is expected to create more employment opportunities and boost revenue streams for local stakeholders.”
