Snake Island Port, a crucial component of Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, has reinforced its dedication to bolstering the nation’s trade and industrial objectives. This commitment was underscored during a recent visit by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, who toured the port’s facilities. The visit, hosted by the Snake Island Management Company’s Board of Directors and management, along with representatives from the Nigeria Ports Authority, served as a platform to reaffirm the port’s strategic role in driving economic growth. Maher Jarmakani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerdock, the parent company of Snake Island Port, emphasized the port’s leading position in port infrastructure development, its contribution to trade facilitation, and its catalytic impact on regional economic advancement. This aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment and create a streamlined, efficient trade environment.
Jarmakani highlighted the importance of collaboration between the port and the Nigeria Customs Service, emphasizing that their close working relationship, combined with strict adherence to regulatory standards, ensures a smooth and efficient flow of international trade. He reiterated Snake Island Port’s commitment to facilitating foreign direct investment, job creation, technology transfer, and revenue generation, all key pillars of the government’s economic development agenda. The port’s operator, Nigerdock, envisions a future of successful partnerships that will yield mutual benefits for all stakeholders, aligning with the national goal of transforming Nigeria into a regional trade hub.
The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Nigerdock’s pivotal role in realizing the full potential of free zones and new port developments in Nigeria. He commended the port’s contributions to attracting foreign investment, generating employment opportunities, facilitating skills and technology transfer, and boosting government revenue. Adeniyi expressed optimism about the future of collaboration between the Customs Service and Nigerdock, emphasizing the shared objective of achieving mutually beneficial outcomes that will contribute to the overall growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
The strategic importance of Snake Island Port is further underlined by its ongoing expansion and development. In 2024, Nigerdock finalized an agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the expansion of the 85-hectare multipurpose facility. This expansion encompasses three distinct terminals situated within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, further solidifying the port’s capacity to handle a diverse range of cargo. The Nigerdock Multipurpose Terminal, the port’s flagship terminal, is already fully operational, serving as a testament to the port’s readiness to facilitate efficient cargo handling.
The development of the second terminal, the Snake Island Container Terminal (SICT), is currently underway, further expanding the port’s capacity to handle containerized cargo, a crucial component of global trade. The planned construction of a third greenfield terminal designated for bulk cargo handling will significantly enhance the port’s ability to accommodate large volumes of raw materials and other bulk commodities, further diversifying its capabilities. This strategic expansion underscores Snake Island Port’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of international trade and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
The combined efforts of Nigerdock, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Ports Authority in developing and operating Snake Island Port represent a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s trade and industrialization ambitions. By fostering a collaborative environment and adhering to international best practices, Snake Island Port is poised to play a critical role in enhancing Nigeria’s position as a major player in regional and global trade. The ongoing expansion and development of the port’s facilities, coupled with its strategic location within the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone, position it as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and foreign direct investment. The port’s commitment to facilitating seamless trade operations, combined with its focus on technology transfer and skills development, will contribute significantly to the long-term prosperity of Nigeria and the West African region.
