Afolabi Urges FG to Revive Eastern Ports, Ease Pressure on Lagos Facilities

The Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, has called on the Federal Government to accelerate the rehabilitation and expansion of Nigeria’s eastern ports to boost economic activities in the region and reduce congestion at the Lagos ports.
Afolabi made the appeal while receiving the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, at the SIFAX Group headquarters in Lagos.
According to him, years of inadequate investment and attention to the eastern ports have negatively impacted Nigeria’s port efficiency, resulting in an overreliance on Lagos ports for maritime trade activities.
“My passionate appeal to the government is to extend the ongoing port modernisation programme to the eastern ports. Economic activities at the ports continue to grow annually, but these activities remain heavily concentrated in Lagos. The facilities in Lagos have been stretched to their limits, leading to congestion that ultimately affects operational efficiency,” Afolabi said.
He stressed the need for urgent dredging of key eastern ports, including Warri, Onne, and Calabar, to enable them to accommodate larger vessels safely and handle increased cargo traffic.
“This is the right time for the government to revive the eastern ports. Dredging and upgrading these facilities will significantly reduce pressure on Lagos ports and improve the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime sector,” he added.
Afolabi also highlighted the persistent traffic challenges along the Tin Can Island Port corridor, noting that the route has been overwhelmed by cargo volumes far beyond its original design capacity. He warned that the recurring gridlock has continued to impose additional costs on businesses, frustrate transporters, and hinder economic productivity.
In his remarks, Dr. Ukeyima commended Afolabi and SIFAX Group for their significant contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry, describing the company as one of the country’s foremost maritime investors.
He noted that SIFAX Group has effectively leveraged opportunities across the maritime value chain to support economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.
Ukeyima further pledged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s commitment to working closely with SIFAX Group and other stakeholders to advance the development of the maritime sector.