Snake Island Port has reiterated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s industrialisation and trade facilitation goals as part of its efforts to support economic growth, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and drive national development.
This renewed pledge was made during a familiarisation visit by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to the facilities of Snake Island Port, operated by Nigerdock under the management of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ).
During the visit, the Board of Directors and management of the Snake Island Management Company (SIMCO), alongside representatives of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), received the Customs boss. They showcased the port’s strategic role in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics capacity, promoting technology transfer, and serving as a catalyst for trade and industrial expansion.
Speaking during the tour, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerdock, Maher Jarmakani, highlighted the port’s pivotal role in aligning with the Federal Government’s long-term vision for sustainable development.
“Our project reflects the government’s aspirations to create a one-stop logistics hub that encourages foreign investment, ensures compliance with international standards, and fosters economic advancement. With close collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and strict adherence to regulations, we’ve created a seamless environment for global trade,” Jarmakani stated.
He added that Snake Island Port continues to lead in port infrastructure development, improving Nigeria’s maritime efficiency and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian exports and imports.
The Comptroller-General, Adeniyi, commended Nigerdock for its role in leveraging the advantages of free zones and port expansion. He noted that the port is a critical enabler of FDI, employment generation, and revenue growth.
“Nigerdock plays a central role in delivering on the promises of free zone operations and new port developments, from attracting foreign capital to technology and skill transfer. The future of Nigeria’s maritime industry depends on strategic partnerships like this,” Adeniyi said.
In 2024, Nigerdock finalized an agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority for the phased expansion of the Snake Island Port, a multipurpose 85-hectare facility with three key terminals designed to handle various cargo types.
The Nigerdock Multipurpose Terminal, the flagship component of the port, is already operational and handles general cargo and logistics. The Snake Island Container Terminal (SICT), which is under development, is expected to improve Nigeria’s container handling capacity significantly. A third terminal, currently a greenfield project, will cater specifically to bulk cargo, further diversifying the port’s offerings.
Experts believe that Snake Island Port’s expansion will reduce Nigeria’s dependence on congested terminals in Lagos, cut freight costs, and bolster the manufacturing sector through faster cargo turnaround times.
Analysts also point out that the port’s integration into the free zone system ensures tax and operational incentives that can boost investor confidence and position Nigeria as a regional shipping hub.
With Nigeria aiming to become Africa’s industrial powerhouse, projects like Snake Island Port are seen as essential to achieving economic diversification, creating employment, and enhancing value chains across various sectors.
As Nigeria grapples with supply chain inefficiencies and limited port capacity, the strategic development of private port infrastructure such as Snake Island offers a practical solution that aligns with the broader goals of the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).