After more than two decades of steering Nigeria’s port management space, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited (PCHS), a subsidiary of the SIFAX Group, is turning a new page.

In a bold move to deepen operational efficiency and improve customer experience, the company has officially contracted Micura Services Limited to oversee stevedoring operations at its terminal.

The decision, announced at a formal ceremony witnessed by key maritime stakeholders, isn’t just about outsourcing a service, it’s a strategic pivot. For John Jenkins, managing director of PCHS, this partnership signals a transformation rooted in vision and experience.

“Ports and Cargo Handling Services has spent years building a solid legacy in Nigerian port operations,” Jenkins shared. “But now, we’re transitioning into a new growth phase. One where excellence is not just expected, it’s embedded in everything we do. And to get there, we need partners who align with our vision. That’s where Micura comes in.”

This restructuring allows PCHS to double down on its core strength: managing one of Nigeria’s busiest port terminals.

Meanwhile, the demanding but essential tasks of loading and unloading cargo, safety management, and cargo logistics will now be managed by Micura Services, a company with a growing reputation for professionalism and precision.

Dr. Michael Ubogu, CEO of Micura Services, called the deal a major milestone for his company, and a defining moment in Nigeria’s maritime service landscape.

“We see this as more than a contract,” Ubogu said. “It’s an opportunity to prove, once again, that local firms like ours have what it takes to match global standards. We’re bringing on board our best, highly trained, motivated, and experienced staff, to ensure we exceed expectations.”

The new partnership has also earned praise from the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN). Representing the union at the official unveiling, Comrade Ibrahim Ohize Tajudeen, Vice President General, commended PCHS for managing the transition with transparency, particularly in how it handled the interests of dock workers.

The stevedoring contract officially kicks off August 1, 2025, but its impact is expected to ripple far beyond that date. For PCHS, it’s a renewed commitment to excellence.

For Micura, it’s a moment to shine. And for Tin Can Island Port, it’s the beginning of a new era, one defined by collaboration, competence, and customer-first service delivery.

The post A New Chapter at Tin Can Island: Ports & Cargo Taps Micura Services to Elevate Stevedoring Standards appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

IPSARION, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier with a length overall of 199.99 meters and a gross tonnage of 36,560, arrived laden with bulk cargo and industrial equipment from Europe.

Built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Cebu, Philippines, the vessel is managed by Helikon Shipping Enterprises Ltd and operated by YAKE BULK LIMITED.

Onboard the vessel were multiple units of construction equipment, steel rods, vehicles, chemicals, power generation machinery, and several other goods.

Mr. John Jenkins, the managing director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services (PCHS) Limited, described the vessel’s arrival as a strategic step aimed at maximising opportunities and resources at the terminal, while also facilitating trade and growing the country’s economy.

He said: “For a long period of time, our terminal has been servicing primarily container vessels, but a strategic business decision recently that bothers on opening up the space for more diverse business partnerships has tilted us towards welcoming general cargo vessels at our terminal.

“The general cargo business is not entirely new to us, as we have handled this at some point in time. So that means we have the expertise, equipment and other resources to adequately meet and exceed the expectations of general cargo vessels calling at our terminal. We are excited that IPSARION has called at our terminal and unloading operations are currently going on.

“Handling a vessel of this large scale showcases our preparedness for large-volume cargo operations. It validates the massive investment SIFAX Group has made in port infrastructure and human capacity over the years.”

This feat further reinforces the SIFAX Group’s role in driving excellence in Nigeria’s maritime industry and contributing to national economic growth through seamless port operations.

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This assurance was given during the visit of the committee to Ports & Cargo terminal in Lagos.

Katung said the purpose of the visit was to understand the issues around port terminal operations by the concessionaires and to proffer solutions to identified challenges for the maritime sector to contribute substantially to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Katung further promised that the committee would liaise with all relevant government agencies connected with the concession renewal for quicker resolution.

The meeting also highlighted broader industry challenges and opportunities, such as implementing single-window cargo clearance systems and developing inland ports to ease congestion in Lagos terminals.

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The Group said that the incident which affected its IT equipment did not affect the data due to the backup arrangement.

A statement signed by Muyiwa Akande, group head, Corporate Communications at SIFAX Group, reads: “This is to inform all stakeholders of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, that there was a fire incident at our facility located at the Tin Can Island Port, Apapa, Lagos, on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

“The inferno, which happened at our IT office, affected key IT equipment. However, we are glad to report that this unfortunate incident has not resulted in any data loss due to the excellent back-up plan the company has put in place to safeguard its data.

“While minimal disruption to our services is expected, we are currently working with all relevant agencies, especially the Nigerian Customs Service, Tin Can Island Command, to restore normal port operations latest by Monday, February 26, 2024.

“We are using this opportunity to assure all our stakeholders, including clearing agents, consignees and other port users that we have activated our approved business continuity plan to keep our operations running while we work assiduously to meet the scheduled date of resuming normal port operations.

“We want to thank all stakeholders who have expressed their concerns and solidarity over the incident. We are deeply grateful.

“Appreciation also goes to the Customs Area Controller, Tin Can Island Command of the Nigerian Customs Service, Mr. Dera Nnadi, mni, and his team for their swift response after the incident,” statement reads.

The post SIFAX Group Speaks after Ports & Cargo Fire Incident appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Speaking during his maiden courtesy visit on the management of the terminal, the Shippers Council boss noted that Ports & Cargo has maintained its status as the foremost indigenous terminal operator in the country and has made everybody proud with the way it has run its operations.

Akutah said:

“We are very pleased with the operations of the terminal over the years. You have positioned yourself as a terminal to reckon with. Your investments in the maritime sector has continued to shape the growth of the blue economy and you have proven that you have the necessary expertise to run this terminal very well”.

“I want to solicit your support as always. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given us a mandate and his eyes are firmly on the growth of the sector. We will roll out measures that will support your continued growth. The Council will firmly collaborate with all operators this year to maximize success and entrench more automation of the sector too.”

In his response, John Jenkins, managing director, PCHSL, thanked the NSC boss and hinted that the terminal is open and willing to collaborate with the council to achieve the vision of the president.

Other management team members of the terminal present during the visit include- Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, Administration, Tobi Afolabi, Executive Director, Operations, Sogo Faola, AGM Transfer, PCHSL and Patience Nwaogwugwu, Head, SIFAX Stevedoring.

The post Nigerian Shippers Council boss Lauds Ports & Cargo on Huge Investment appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In a press statement signed by Olumuyiwa Akande, Group Head, Corporate Communications at SIFAX Group, the report was described as ‘misleading’.

Facts about the fire incidence:

“At about 12:30 pm on Thursday, July 20, 2023, one of our equipment, a shore crane, developed a sudden technical fault and before anything could be done to fix it, it went up in flames. 

“There was a quick response from all stakeholders which resulted in putting out the fire as soon as possible, even though substantial damage was done to the equipment.

“Normalcy was returned to the terminal after containing the fire and our operations resumed.

“The vessel at berth as at the time of the incident was not affected by the fire while containers, both those on board the vessel as well as other consignments at the terminal, were not affected also.

“There was no loss of life, as the operator working on the affected equipment was safely rescued without any injury. 

“The said equipment as well as all other equipment and facilities at the terminal are all insured. 

“As a company, we are committed to operational excellence in a safe and secure environment for the collective good of all our stakeholders – customers, agents, staff, regulators and the general public. 

“We urge the public to disregard any sensational reports on the incident and stay with the facts as stated here.

“We urge the press to please ensure their reports are accurate so members of the public are not misled and create unnecessary panic in the industry and beyond.  

“Our sincere appreciation goes to individuals and organisations who reacted swiftly to the emergency situation including: Nigerian Ports Authority, Master and crew of MV Argeciras Express and the Lagos State Fire Service team. Kudos also to the staff of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited”, the statement reads.  

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The multi-million dollars heavy-duty equipment handled by the company arrived via MV-TINA vessel at the terminal last week and included wheel loaders, backhoe loaders, crawler excavators, truck-mounted concrete pumps, concrete mixer trucks, telehandlers, motor graders, vibratory soil compactors, and many more.

Speaking during the unveiling of the equipment at the terminal, John Jenkins, Managing Director, PCHS, thanked the construction firm for trusting the company to handle their equipment noting that handling such volume is an indication of the trust which clients have in the terminal operator’s excellent service delivery.   

He said:

“I would like to thank Mota-Engil for trusting and working with us. Our handling of this volume of cargo is an indication of our capacity to deliver excellent service. We have a rich blend and mix of human capital and equipment at our company and this has helped us to meet and surpass the expectations of our clients. The terminal has capacity to also store various cargoes conveniently too. We put in our best to make sure that best value is delivered always. We are proud that the equipment that will be used for the rail construction are handled by us”.

Jenkins went further to explain that PCHS has well-established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in line with global best practices which makes service delivery at the terminal seamless.

In his words, “We don’t have documentation issues here at PCHS, we have established SOPs to make operations here very seamless. As far as PCHS is concerned we give sufficient resources in handling big and large volumes.”

In his reaction, Nuno Colaco, the Logistics Manager, Mota-Engil Nigeria Limited, the exceptional service delivery, open communication and available manpower at the terminal signpost a serious terminal operator, while noting that the handling of the equipment by PCHS was done in a timely and professional manner.

The post Ports & Cargo Handles $200m Kano-Maradi Rail Project Equipment appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In line with its industry leadership objectives and in fulfilment of its promises to the Council of Registered Engineers (COREN) at its 2022 Annual Conference, SIFAX Group has kicked off one of its industry capacity development initiatives.

Twenty-five young engineering graduates of various universities and polytechnics across the country have recently been inducted into the Graduate Trainee Programme of Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited (PCHS), a subsidiary of SIFAX Group.

The one-year programme will afford the participants the opportunity of practical technical training and mentorship.

Speaking at the induction ceremony held in Lagos, John Jenkins, Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, said the programme was launched to address the shortage of competent technical manpower in the country’s maritime industry as well as provide job opportunities for young and competent Nigerian engineering graduates.

His words: “We designed this engineering graduate trainee scheme for two major reasons. First is to open Nigerian young engineering graduates to the immense opportunities that abound in the Nigerian maritime industry. We want them to know they can build a long career in maritime. The other reason is that the sector currently needs a new set of young and competent technical hands who can contribute meaningfully to its growth through the deployment of their skills. This one-year training will take them through the nitty gritty of the repairs and maintenance of key heavy-duty equipment like rubber tyre gantry (RTG), reach stackers and shore cranes, among others.”

Jenkins urged the participants to take full advantage of the great opportunity extended to them by the company through their commitment and willingness to learn.

In his remarks, Christopher Nnamuah, HR Manager, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, said the scheme would also serve as a succession plan programme to groom the next set of engineers both for the company and the industry at large.

He said: “As a company that is tracking trends in our industry, we have discovered that opportunities abound in the maritime sector but we have low manpower to harness these opportunities. With the support of the management, we have now begun this training with 25 engineering graduates. There is a need to start planning for the future and we know that this set of young trainees will take over from the experienced ones in the nearest future”

Nnamuah further said the company plans to absorb into its workforce the best of the trainees upon the completion of the programme.

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