SIFAX Shipping Company Limited, which operates bonded terminals in Lagos, has launched direct Less-than-Container Load (LCL) export services to the United Kingdom, through a partnership with Netcargo UK Limited, a subsidiary of global logistics company Net Cargo Group.
Adekunle Owobamirin, general manager of Groupage and Export Services at SIFAX Shipping, says the alliance provides an opportunity for Nigerian exporters, especially SMEs, to ship goods directly to the UK without having to consolidate through transhipment points, leading to faster turnaround times, lower costs, reduced risks, and more predictable delivery schedules.
“This is one of the most important moves we’ve made in advancing our export portfolio. 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,” he said.
LCL exports usually serve smaller businesses sending shipments of less than 13 Cubic Meter (CBM) of cargo, who want to test new markets without committing to large inventory, and those who need a cost-effective solution for non-urgent deliveries.
Cargo is charged based on volume (CBM) or weight, rather than the full container volume. However, fees like the origin and destination handling, Customs clearance, and delivery charges will be included.
SIFAX Shipping also said it had sealed a robust import partnership with WSC Logistics Nigeria and Shotto Logistics Limited based in Ghana to enable shipments originating from various parts of the world, including India and China, to be routed efficiently through SIFAX’s bonded terminals and warehouses in Nigeria.
The partnership, called “third-party consolidator collaboration,” enables smaller logistics firms to leverage SIFAX Group’s infrastructure, technical know-how and bonded facilities.
According to Owobamirin, the expansion has already borne fruit. First trial shipments were launched in June and full operations expected to ramp up this year.
“The collaboration allows us to clear and dispatch cargo seamlessly, ensuring that goods keep moving and clients experience minimal delays,” he said.
