₦airaland Forum

Lagos, Nigeria | Published on: February 27, 2015



Lagos, Nigeria, 27 February 2015 - Africa covers about 6% of the earth’s total surface. With 38 of its 54 states either coastal or insular in nature, Africa has over a hundred port facilities, a few of which handle 6% of the worldwide water-borne cargo traffic and about 3% of the world’s container traffic. International trade is very important for many African economies. With over 90% of Africa’s imports and exports conducted by sea, there is an increasing need for innovation and development in the field of maritime. African Union’s 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy is aimed improving these conditions and increasing the potential for wealth creation.

A research conducted by Jovago.com reveals the 7 harbours/ports in Africa worthy of note as they stand out strategically across the region.

Durban, South Africa

Port of Durban as popularly known is Africa’s most active general cargo port. It is situated a block away from Durban’s central business district and plays a key role in S.A’s economy. Being Africa’s largest container port, it handles most of the seagoing traffic in comparison to the other ports in South Africa. This port welcomes about 4500 vessels yearly and about 83000 containers per month, it conducts trade worth over $45billion.According to the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa, it handled about 44.8 million tonnes of cargo of cargo in 2013-2014. Not only does this port contribute to the economy, it also creates employment for South African locals.

Mombasa, Kenya

Port Mombasa, often referred to as “the city of merchants” is also worthy of note. Dating back to the times of Portuguese exploration, it has been and remains a busy trading post for the region which could be attributed to its strategic location between South Africa and the Gulf of Aden. It is a key gateway to East and Central Africa. It provides a direct link to about 80 ports worldwide and a railway line runs therefrom to Uganda and Tanzania. With 18,000 teu and a container capacity of about 250,000teu per year, Mombasa Port now handles about double this volume.

Djibouti

Djibouti’s ports are crucial to its geo-strategic importance both in military and economic terms. They serve as a passage for Ethiopian trade and a platform for the transhipment of goods. This involves the outflow of container and bulk cargo from larger vessels to be redistributed to East Africa and Arabian ports. It provides a secure regional hub for transhipment and relay of goods. China is also directly involved in the Port of Djibouti through the state-owned China Merchants Group. Their interest in Djibouti goes beyond the benefits of being involved in East African regional trade rather Djibouti's position as the only reliable port along the main shipping lanes between Europe and the Gulf and also between Asia and the eastern coast of Africa is essential.

Lagos, Nigeria

Being Nigeria's economic focal point, Lagos generates a significant portion of the country's GDP. Port of Lagos, also known as Lagos Port Complex is located at the Apapa area of Lagos, South West Nigeria. With a total land area of over 120hec, the geographical location is within UTM Zone 31. Its operational area consists of berthing, cargo-handling and stacking areas and storage facilities. This leading port is one of the largest and busiest in Africa, it is administered by the Nigerian Ports Authority and is split into three main sections: Lagos port, in the main channel next to Lagos Island, Apapa Port (site of the container terminal) and Tin Can Port, both located in Badagry Creek.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

The port of Abidjan is located on a lagoon and is connected to the sea by a 2.8 long km channel. The Abidjan Container Terminal is run jointly by the French Bolloré Africa Logistics and APM Terminals. Ivory Coast’s economic capital Abidjan boasts of the biggest port in the West African sub-region, which is also the second biggest in Africa with the container storage capacity of 20,000 TEUs and an annual volume of 610,000 TEUs.The container trans-shipment port was opened in 1951 and its 15m deep Vridi Canal allows boats with large draughts to dock in the deep-water port and this gives Abidjan an edge as it has become even more important, receiving the bulk of the country's industrial activity.

Suez Canal, Egypt

The Suez Canal is 101 miles (163 km) long connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Gulf of Suez, a northern branch of the Red. Since its inception in 1869, it has allowed ships to travel between Europe and South Asia without navigating around Africa hence reducing the sea voyage distance between Europe and India significantly.The Suez Canal Axis Development Project aimed at its expansion and development is currently in planning. The 2014 canal revenue was approximately $5.45 billion which was 6.8 % higher than the previous year. The 2014 total tonnage was up to 962.7 million tonnes.

Tangier, Morocco

Separated from The Port of Tangier which remains the port for ferries, the Tangier-Med Port, accommodates commercial ships and vessels and can facilitate up to 3.5 million containers. This was triggered by the expansion of the market and import-export industry, requiring the need to streamline the flow of traffic. It is one of the largest ports on the Mediterranean and in Africa in terms of capacity and went into service in July 2007. Being relatively new as it was opened in 2007, there are high expectations for this port.

http://jumia.pr.co/96825-top-7-biggest-ports-in-africa-you-should-know


As you can see Lagos port is among the top 7 busiest in Africa and you can see it is three ports in Lagos while Mombasa port is the second because it is used by 5 countries. Mind you, Lagos is building 2 ports and other states are building ports. So, how is Lagos port inefficient?

Kenyanstar:
Its not about skyscrapers buddy, its all about social well being of the Kenyan citizen. To Nigerians what is basic needs for a Kenyan are only a luxury for Nigerians.
How can 24/7 electricity be a luxury to all Nigerians while in Kenya it costs only $150 dollars to get connected to the national grid.
How comes Nigerians suffer fuel shortages & get the commodity more expensive while Kenya has never had any shortage at a lesser price
How comes Nigeria has an inefficient port serving 180m populace but Kenya has the second biggest port in Africa serving less than 80m
How comes Nigeria doesn't offer subsidized medicare while Kenya gives free maternal and child services free of charge
How comes Nigeria cant offer free education to its children while Kenya has free primary education
How comes Nigeria cant give education new learning technologies while Kenya is giving its children free laptops in schools
How comes Nigeria Nigerian universities don't support students while Kenya government gives free loans to university students
More can be said but its impossible to find anything to copy Nigeria on!!!

@bolded is all about the form of government a country practice.

We don't practice unitary government, Nigeria practices Federation type of government though not fully.

Since, you understand what I mean, I will say some states do all you mentioned while some don't do it.

Nigeria's system of government makes it the responsibility of the states to decide.


About port, look below

Jay254:
Over ahundread multinationals have set there regional office in Nairobi, which is only second to Jo'burg. The infrastructure and housing development in Nairobi is now way above that of Lagos.Nairobi is more multicultural city than Lagos by far. We have a hundred of thousand expatriate working and leaving here. Malls and supermarkets in Nairobi is way a head of nija, Lagos has 4 standard malls while Nairobi has 23.

Lagos is just ahead in terms of population.

I think Nigeria is moving pass the stage of waiting for multinationals to open office in Nigeria. We are building our own multinational companies ourselves and some of these companies are opening offices out Nigeria, in Europe, Africa, and America.

Our banks and insurance companies are examples of Nigerian companies becoming the HQs of Multinational companies in Nigeria

Glo network, Dangote, Arik air, Oando, Con oil, GTB bank, Zenith bank, First Bank, etc are all Nigerian's companies becoming multinational. And all these companies have their headquarters in Lagos.


When it comes to infrastructures and housing development in Lagos, you can't imagine. From bungalows to duplexes, to flats, to apartments and mansions, Lagos has them all.

Is Nairobi building apartments 12 - 40 stories? Lagos is already doing that.

Eko Atlantic city is another example of world class housing development in Lagos. It can only be measured with apartments in Dubai.


The population of Nigerians and Africans in Lagos will not make you notice the thousands of expatriates in Lagos but we don't believe they are better than Nigerians that is why Nigeria will not allow unnecessary expatriates for a job Nigerians can do better.

When you talk about malls, we have more than you think. You only know about shoprit but we have others, you don't know.

Lagos is not behind Nairobi when is it comes to infrastructures...


Does Nairobi has mono rail?

highheybee:
Copy that bro...but it's a public private partnership stuff sha

I know but it was initiated by Lagos State government under Tinubu to curtail the ocean surge at Bar beach.

arinzeejikonye:
Lagos

Hehehehe! You bad ooooooo!

For where you dey uproot ya pictures? That Mike Adenuga gold house na waooooh.

Well done.

highheybee:
Those guys don't know what's coming for them all...the recently completed eko pearls towers which are 5 are not less than 110metres with one touting 135m....and that's just the beginning...Cox that city won't just be the prime in WestAfrica buh what to look up to in the whole Africa....and not just eko Atlantic pearl...the best is still coming

The Abuja centenary city...
Hmmmm...jez observing though

If you care to know
Lagos have 22highrise over 65m while Nairobi has 20

The truth is, those projects were initiated by the government and it will provide jobs and attract foreigners to invest in Nigeria.

Even after the apartments are occupied, they need to by furnitures made by Nigerians, employ workers, etc I can go on and on.

There is difference between Highrise and Skyscraper.

Highrise is determined by a building with at 12 stories while a skyscraper is determined by a the height with must be at least 100 meters.

If we go by that standard Lagos has more than 100 highrise and I think it is more than Nairobi.

Pictures of Lagos, Abuja and Uyo are all what we are seeing above except for the castle located in Kaduna.

arinzeejikonye:
Nigeria.though not there yet.but definitely making progress

No 1, Abuja road

No 2 is Lagos,around Surulere.

No 3, Mono rail along CBD in Lagos

No 4, Lagos port overlooking Eko Atlantic city.

Well done bro

Jay254:
If you ask me I wouldn't rank cities by number of skyscrapers, some of the best city's in the world hardly have that much skyscrapers.. Look at Paris,London,L.A,.. To me a beautiful city is one with good infrastructure,well maintained parks,flowers and trees between streets, recreational activities, In Africa I will add designated markets for traders or hawkers.

Capetown may have less skyscrapers than Durban,Johannesburg and Cairo but its still the best and the most beautiful city in Africa.

In Kenya a town like eldoret has more tall structures than Nakuru, but Nakuru is still better than Eldoret.

But those cities you listed have more skyscrapers and highrise than one can imagine.


There is difference between beauty and development.

Joburg is far more developed than Cape Town but Cape Town is beautiful than it because of its the natural environment. Beach and a mountain placed together, that is mind blowing.

When it comes to beauty, Abuja is not lacking behind. It is the newest Capital in Africa. Well planned with world class infrastructures, beautiful gardens (more than 20), well maintained parks (more than 30), trees between Street( pedestrian walk every where with trees), recreation center ( plenty), markets ( malls 10 and still counting), hawkers are not allowed in Abuja, it is illegal. etc

I don't think Mombasa will beat Abuja when it comes to world infrastructures and beauty.

Gashaka Gumti national park

Gashaka Gumti National Park

Gashaka Gumti National park

Jay254:
[quote author=forgiveness post=5124202

Besides, who is responsible for developing tourist attractions in Kenya? Is it Kenya's government?

I need to know. Thanks


Kenyan Govt works closely with private sector plus we have avery strong animal rights lobby groups.

I see! Private sector are the best for this. Thanks

NairobiWalker:
Jabavu/Hass towers

Tower 1 - 66 floors, 300m
Tower 2 - 40 floors 201m

Second photo is the render of the building. The first photo is the foundation of the building under construction in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

You are very funny ooooooo. I thought you would have shown me a building with its actual height but you are showing me a cleared area with no structure and a render, after considering what you said below.

NairobiWalker:
You're giving me planned cities and claiming them to be the tallest buildings under construction in Africa? Lol, please post me the actual building and it's height. The tallest building under construction in Africa is Jabavu/Hass tower in Nairobi at 300m. The tallest in Eko Atlantic under construction is only 135m. Please post me that building under construction in Nigeria that is higher than 300m - and please I don't want tired masterplans, I want an actual building with its height.

I also have a photo of the render of the tallest building in Africa and website to make enquires. It is 308 meters with 74 stories.

http://www.centenarycity.com/africa-tower.html




The first picture shows that the buildings you are talking about are still planned and others are still under constructions. The second picture used colors to indicate the stages of a building.

The third building is the render of the tallest building in Africa.

NairobiWalker:
Thank you. i have been to Lagos briefly but I'll make time and money to visit Calabar, Enugu and Abuja too. We need to promote ourselves.

It's a pleasure.

Hmmm! You have chosen very nice cities but make sure you visit Ibadan and Port Harcourt. If you have time visit Jos.

When you came to Nigeria, what was the experience like?

NairobiWalker:
Mombasa has more skyscrapers than Abuja. Nakuru can't support skyscrapers because it is right in the middle of the Great Rift valley and sits on faultlines. Kisumu and Eldoret are developing some skyscrapers.

No! Is there any building above 100 meters in Mombasa? I am afraid to tell you it N O.... No. The snapshot below shows that MOMBASA doesn't have any building close to that height.

Abuja has three skyscrapers already built and they above 100 meters and another ones are under constructions.

The WTC 1 Abuja, WTC 2 Abuja and Millennium_Tower are these skyscrapers while WTC hotel (48 stories) and Africa Tower (308 meters) are under constructions.

NairobiWalker:
You're giving me planned cities and claiming them to be the tallest buildings under construction in Africa? Lol, please post me the actual building and it's height. The tallest building under construction in Africa is Jabavu/Hass tower in Nairobi at 300m. The tallest in Eko Atlantic under construction is only 135m. Please post me that building under construction in Nigeria that is higher than 300m - and please I don't want tired masterplans, I want an actual building with its height.

Please, show me the pictures of Jabava/Hass tower under constructions with their heights.

Jay254:
I like the cable cars, Nija is beautiful also but you should do more marketing outside Nija... You guys have what it takes to attract a lot of tourist.

Thanks.

We have a lot of beautiful places in Nigeria but most of those places are not yet developed for tourism.

The places that are developed are threatened by security issues and foreign media. The foreign media always talk about the bad news in some areas and relate them to the whole country. For example the security issues we are having now are in the North Eastern area Nigeria. The other areas are secured but foreign media will make the world believe Nigeria is dangerous.

The most developed States and cities for tourism are Cross River state, Plateau States, Bauchi state, Abuja, Ibadan, Ekiti and Lagos though we other states with mind blowing tourist attractions but the ones I listed have invited alot in tourism.


We have blue lakes, gigantic rocks, warm, hot and cold Springs, many mind blowing water falls, beautiful national parks like Gashaka gumti National Park, beautiful plateaus(Mambila Plateau), etc awaiting development of international standards.

It think Kenya tourism industry is super.

Besides, who is responsible for developing tourist attractions in Kenya? Is it Kenya's government?

I need to know. Thanks

Kenyanstar:
Now we are talking, initially i always wanted to come to Nigeria to get a feel of what we always see in Nollywood movies. Thats the more reason i joined Nairaland, but the negativity i got from Nigerian bloggers and news items in regards to Kenya were not only mean but a pointer to the systematic degradation of Kenya and its people. But now i am starting to let go off the perception that Nigerians are not at all that bad, lets keep posting pictures of our countries please.

Don't believe what you read on faceless forums and blogs. Nigerians are friendly with foreigners. Just come and have the feel yourself.

It's a very nice country.

We will continue.

Many more from Cross River state which capital is Calabar.

Afi mountains and Sanctuary.

Rear monkeys in the world.

No 3, picture is Tinapa Resort still in Calabar

No 4, Agbokim water falls near Obudu

More Obudu pictures

Jay254:
Too bad we can not visit to see such beauty.. Alshabaab tried to do the same for Mombasa but the govt has contained it, tourism numbers have greatly increased this year... The worst part is some towns along the coast such as Diani,Watamu,Shale,Malindi,lamu depends on tourism btwn 90-100% of their livelihood.

Na so! Although, not all Northern part are threatened, place like Jos is safe and it's full of tourist but it has reduced because of religious conflicts.

However, Cross River state which has Calabar as the Capital is number one tourist destination in the southern Nigeria. The state is blessed with Obudu Cattle Range, Afi Mountains, Cross River national park, Agbokim Water falls, water falls, beautiful beaches (about to be develop), water park, Tinapa resort, Museums, etc

They also survive only on tourism.
Pictures of Obudu Cattle range

basilo102:
Bros you are wrong, its the other way round. FCT is like a state while Abuja is a city. FCT has five Local government which include Abuja Muninciapal Area Council, AMAC

I don fail be dat. Hahahaha! But thanks for the information.

What are the names of the five local government?

Napoleon55:
CM/AM

I know he doesn't play as a St/Winger, that was why I asked you where he plays.

As you can see, dey no drag positions.

So, he is still needed.

goldfish80:
I know you must know how wella. I remember him at Hertha Berlin with Solomon Okoronkwo his team mate.
He came into lime light with Denis Aogo. Then Kickoff magazine featured them as Nigerian born players.

Seyi Olajengbesi is not foreign born. He played for Julius Berger with Yakubu aiyegbeni, Seyi ogunsanya then Ndubuisi Eze and Endurance Idahor. Fatai Amao was there coach I think.

I see.

I know Seyi is not foreign born na. I said I discovered dem then.

Bros, e don tey wey u self dey follow naija players and Oyibo.

Napoleon55:
Obinna Nwobodo

Which wing em dey play?

enomakos:
he is not good enough we have better player in the local league

Really! No kwams. But give me the name of that 'better' player.

Bifwoli:
Maybe you're the exception but still...

But still wetin?

Akwabaa!

Bifwoli:
Yeah,yeah ,Tell the whole world this is a lie about Abuja.
https://i.imgur.com/Q5jUxRF.png
https://i.imgur.com/bXSeqEA.png
https://i.imgur.com/lcJFxMw.png
Bottom pic is the famous giant rock of Abuja.

There is difference between FCT and Abuja.

FCT is Federal Capital Territory while Abuja is just like a state.

Those pictures are definitely Abuja and not FCT.

Jay254:
Kenya is asafari country you will never miss... Mombasa beats Nairobi by far in tourism.. The city is has a lot of tourist from around the world.

I see. Thanks

Most of Nigeria's tourist centers are in the North but I no advice anybody go there. Jos, Bauchi and Adamawa are adorn with natural tourism.

Northern Nigeria pictures

Jay254:
Great idea, I will put Calabar in my list

That's very cool. Are there Safaris in Nairobi and Mombasa?

Which city is best for tourists?