Our history
Jagal was founded in 1977 by Anwar Jarmakani (1948 – 2021) as a construction and property developer. Over the next generation, the company will expand into the manufacturing, oil and gas, maritime, and infrastructure sectors through investments and partnerships with global operators looking to expand into new markets.
Planting the Seeds
Jagal's journey began in 1977 when Anwar Jarmakani, a self-made industrial entrepreneur who moved to Nigeria in 1963, laid the foundation for the company. Initially focusing on construction and real estate development, Jagal set out to establish itself in Nigeria's burgeoning industrial landscape, driven by a vision for long-term growth and impact.
Wings of Expansion
As Jagal grew, it sought new opportunities beyond its initial focus. By the 1980s, the company diversified into the health, hygiene, and home sectors, capitalising on partnerships with leading multinational brands. This marked Jagal's first significant expansion beyond its core, allowing it to play a role in improving the everyday lives of consumers through innovative products and services in these sectors.
Path to Energy
In the late 1990s, Jagal recognized the growing opportunities in Nigeria’s booming oil and gas industry. Collaborating with renowned players in the field, including Sinopec, Fred Olsen, and Smit Lamnalco, Jagal entered the upstream energy sector, leveraging these partnerships to build a strong presence in the industry. This strategic entry helped position Jagal as a key player in one of the most vital sectors in Nigeria.
Reinvention
In 2003, Jagal made a pivotal decision to acquire a majority
interest in Nigerdock, a marine industrial base that had
been privatised by the Federal Government in 2001. Jagal
initiated an aggressive investment and restructuring
strategy that transformed Nigerdock into a leading provider
of oil services, enhancing its ability to support major oil
and gas operators. This acquisition marked Jagal's
deeper integration into the energy sector, cementing its
reputation for innovation and leadership.
Then in
2005, Jagal established a private free zone development.
This move aimed to create a more conducive environment for
investment and industrial growth, offering incentives that
would attract both local and international investors. The
free zone spurred job creation, technology transfer, and
skills development, becoming a critical economic hub for the
region.
Towards a Digital Horizon
In 2013, Jagal took a bold leap into the technology sector, launching West Africa’s first Tier III certified data centre. This milestone reflected Jagal's commitment to staying ahead of emerging trends and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the global market. The establishment of this state-of-the-art facility not only expanded Jagal's business portfolio but also positioned the company as a leader in the growing digital economy.
Charting New Frontiers
Nigerdock diversified beyond its traditional operations, marking a significant shift in its trajectory. In 2023, it secured a 45-year concession agreement with the Nigerian Ports Authority to develop Snake Island Port, a landmark project set to attract $1 billion in foreign investment and strengthen Nigeria’s role in international trade. Today, as part of Jagal, it supports the company’s mission of driving world-class enterprise expansion into Africa and the Middle East through strategic partnerships and deep market expertise.
