SIFAX GROUP URGES FG TO REVIVE EASTERN PORTS TO EASE LAGOS PORT PRESSURE

SIFAX GROUP URGES FG TO REVIVE EASTERN PORTS TO EASE LAGOS PORT PRESSURE
By Prince Benson Davies

The Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has asked the Federal Government to give urgent attention to Nigeria’s eastern ports, saying rehabilitation and expansion of those facilities are critical to reducing congestion in Lagos and spreading economic growth across the country. He made the call during a visit by Dr Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers Council, to SIFAX Group’s head office in Lagos.

Dr Afolabi said years of underinvestment in ports outside Lagos have limited overall port efficiency and forced too much cargo through facilities that are already overstretched. He explained that as trade volumes grow each year, the current setup concentrates most port activity in Lagos, leaving infrastructure unable to cope with demand.

According to him, the time has come for government to extend its port modernisation programme to the eastern axis. He specifically mentioned Warri, Onne and Calabar ports, noting that proper dredging would allow larger vessels to berth safely. This, he argued, would ease the burden on Lagos ports and create more options for shippers and importers who currently have few alternatives.

He also highlighted the situation at Tin Can Island Port, which he said has struggled for years with traffic levels far beyond its original design. The persistent gridlock around the corridor, he noted, increases costs for businesses, creates hardship for truck drivers and transporters, and slows down the movement of goods. For him, decongesting Lagos is not just about port operations but about improving the wider economy.

Dr Afolabi stressed that reviving eastern ports would stimulate economic activities in those regions, attract private investment, and balance trade flows across the country. He urged government to treat the rehabilitation of Warri, Onne and Calabar as a priority rather than a long-term plan, given the immediate pressure on Lagos.

Responding, Dr Akutah Pius Ukeyima commended Dr Afolabi and SIFAX Group for their contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector. He described the conglomerate as one of the leading private investors in the industry and said its presence across different parts of the maritime value chain has supported national economic growth.

The Nigerian Shippers Council boss assured SIFAX Group of his agency’s readiness to collaborate on initiatives that will advance port efficiency and trade facilitation. He said stakeholder engagement with operators like SIFAX is important to shaping policies that address real challenges in the sector.

Both parties agreed that developing alternative port gateways is essential if Nigeria wants to improve logistics, reduce costs, and make its ports more competitive within the West African region.