Snake Island Port has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s trade expansion and industrialisation agenda, highlighting its role in enhancing port infrastructure, attracting investment, and driving economic development. The declaration came during a familiarisation visit by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, to the port’s facilities located within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos.
The visit, which saw the CGC warmly welcomed by the Board of Directors and management of Snake Island Management Company, as well as representatives from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), served as a platform for strategic dialogue on port operations, customs collaboration, and national economic priorities.
Chairman and CEO of Nigerdock, Maher Jarmakani, said Snake Island Port has continued to demonstrate leadership in port development while facilitating trade and driving economic activity within the region. He stressed the port’s alignment with federal government objectives aimed at boosting foreign direct investment, simplifying trade processes, and ensuring compliance with international standards.
“This project is aligned with the government’s vision to attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria and have a one-stop shop that ensures compliance, world-class services, technology transfer, and investment in the future of our country,” Jarmakani said. He noted that the port’s partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and strict regulatory adherence have created an efficient and secure environment for international trade.
In his remarks, Comptroller-General Adeniyi acknowledged the strategic importance of Nigerdock and Snake Island Port in helping Nigeria harness the benefits of port reforms and the expansion of free zones. “Nigerdock remains at the forefront of helping to deliver the full benefits of free zones and new ports development to Nigeria, and that includes foreign direct investment, creating jobs, transferring skills and technology, and raising revenue,” he said.
He further expressed optimism about future partnerships that would strengthen Nigeria’s port ecosystem and contribute to economic diversification through maritime trade.
In 2024, Nigerdock entered into a formal agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority for the phased expansion and development of Snake Island Port, an 85-hectare multipurpose facility strategically positioned to support a broad spectrum of maritime activities. The port comprises three key terminals at various stages of development.
The Nigerdock Multipurpose Terminal, currently the flagship terminal, is already operational and handles a wide range of cargo. Construction is ongoing at the second terminal, the Snake Island Container Terminal (SICT), which is designed to accommodate containerised goods. The third terminal, still at the planning stage, will be developed as a greenfield bulk cargo facility to cater to the increasing demand for bulk commodity handling in the region.
With these developments, Snake Island Port is set to play a central role in improving Nigeria’s trade logistics, reducing port congestion in Lagos, and fostering economic opportunities through port-led growth.
