ENL Consortium Inks Deal with China’s Lianyungang Port Holding

Nigeria’s leading terminal operator, ENL Consortium Nigeria Limited has signed an agreement with Chinese port operator, Lianyungang Port Holding Group Limited, to deepen investment at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa and boost trade between both countries. 

ENL Consortium is the operator of Terminals C and D at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa while Lianyungang Port Holding Group Limited offers terminal handling, modern logistics, port construction, and other services in China. 

The agreement between both companies was signed last Monday at the 6th China-Nigeria Logistics Line Supply Chain Platform Advanced Forum organised by Sinoma International Engineering Co., Limited in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China. The Forum was organised as part of activities to commemorate the 10th anniversary of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Speaking during the agreement signing ceremony, the Executive Director of ENL Consortium, Mr. Mark Walsh said, “As we reflect on the 10th Anniversary Development of the Belt and Road Initiative, it is pivotal to acknowledge the strides made in fostering international cooperation and enhancing the connectivity of global supply chains. The initiative has not only bridged the infrastructural gap across these two great nations but also facilitated economic growth and mutual development.” 

He said over the past 17 years, port concession in Nigeria’s maritime sector has been a journey of both triumphs and challenges. 

Walsh enumerated the gains of port concession to include enhanced port infrastructure, improved operational efficiency, job creation, and increased revenue generation. 

“However, the pains, such as initial resistance, regulatory hurdles, and security concerns, have taught us invaluable lessons and shaped our strategies moving forward,” he said. 

He said ENL Consortium has been at the forefront of adopting innovative models in local transportation, refining port operation services, and enhancing the warehousing system to solve prevailing challenges and streamline operations.

Walsh said collaboration, both local and international, is pivotal in harnessing Nigeria’s maritime potential. 

“Our partnership with esteemed organisations like Lianyungang Port Group Co Ltd and Sinoma International Engineering Co Ltd is a testament to the power of collective wisdom and innovation in empowering the Maritime Silk Road.

“In 2018, ENL Consortium entered into a strategic partnership with Sinoma Cargo International, a Chinese logistics giant, to facilitate the evacuation of cargo from the Lagos Port Complex by utilising innovative barge solutions. This collaboration was aimed at alleviating the persistent gridlock on the port access roads in Apapa, thereby ensuring a smoother and more efficient cargo evacuation process,” he said.