Afolabi Calls for Revival of Eastern Ports to Ease Congestion at....

Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of Nigeria’s eastern ports to boost economic activities in the region and reduce mounting pressure on the Lagos ports.

Afolabi made the call while receiving the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, during a courtesy visit to the SIFAX Group headquarters in Lagos.

According to him, years of inadequate attention to the nation’s eastern ports have negatively impacted overall port efficiency and contributed significantly to congestion at the Lagos ports, which currently handle the bulk of the country’s maritime trade.

He noted that economic activities at the nation’s seaports continue to increase annually, with most of the traffic concentrated in Lagos, placing enormous strain on existing infrastructure.

“My passionate appeal to the government is to extend the port modernisation initiative to the eastern ports. As you can see, economic activities at the ports are increasing year after year. The concentration of these activities is predominantly at the Lagos ports, and the facilities at these ports have been stretched to their limits, thereby leading to congestion, which will ultimately impact port efficiency,” Afolabi said.

He stressed that the time had come for the government to revive and modernise ports in the eastern part of the country to create alternative gateways for cargo movement and facilitate balanced economic development.

“This is the time for the government to resuscitate those ports in the Eastern part of Nigeria. For instance, government needs to dredge the Warri, Onne and Calabar ports so that large vessels can berth there safely and reduce the pressure on the Lagos ports,” he added.

The SIFAX Group chairman also expressed concern over the persistent traffic challenges along the Tin Can Island Port corridor, noting that the route has been overwhelmed by cargo volumes beyond its original capacity.

According to him, the recurring gridlock around the port corridor has continued to increase logistics costs for businesses, create operational challenges for transporters and undermine overall economic productivity.

“The Tin Can Island Port corridor has long struggled under the weight of traffic volumes it was never designed to sustain. The gridlock along that axis has become a recurring cost for businesses, a source of frustration for transporters and a drag on the economy,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, Ukeyima commended Afolabi and SIFAX Group for their significant contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He described SIFAX Group as one of the country’s foremost maritime investors, noting that the company has successfully leveraged opportunities across the maritime value chain to support economic growth and job creation.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council boss also pledged the agency’s commitment to working closely with SIFAX Group and other stakeholders to advance reforms and enhance the competitiveness of the maritime sector.

He said the council would continue to collaborate with industry operators to address challenges affecting port operations and promote initiatives capable of driving sustainable growth within the sector.

The visit formed part of ongoing engagements between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and key stakeholders in the maritime industry aimed at strengthening partnerships and improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s port system.