In a move that highlights the immense capital and diversified interests of Nigeria’s business titans, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the founder and CEO of the sprawling SIFAX Group conglomerate, has established a towering monument to luxury in Lagos’s highbrow Ikeja GRA: the Lagos Marriott Hotel.
This venture, managed by the world-renowned Marriott International, solidifies Dr. Afolabi’s transition from a logistics mogul—whose empire dominates the maritime, aviation, and oil and gas sectors—into a major player in the premium hospitality space.
🌟 A Five-Star Jewel in Ikeja
Completed in May 2021, the Lagos Marriott Hotel instantly redefined the luxury landscape in the Mainland area of Lagos. Built on a sprawling 7,000 square meter site, the seven-storey structure is not merely a hotel; it is a full-service experience designed for discerning local and international travelers.
The hotel is a key project of Mac-Folly Hospitality Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, reflecting the Group’s strategic diversification drive which began decades ago.
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Structure and Scale: The hotel boasts 251 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, catering to everything from corporate stays to lavish leisure trips.
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Design & Construction: The project was reportedly designed by G1 Architecture, with construction handled by Dori Construction and Engineering, ensuring international standards in aesthetics and structural integrity.
💰 The Price of Unmatched Luxury
The investment’s scale is immediately reflected in its premium pricing, placing it firmly at the apex of Nigerian hospitality:
| Room Type | Estimated Price Range (Naira) | Estimated Price Range (USD) |
| Standard/Base Rooms | ~N583,635 | ~$378 |
| Presidential Suite | Up to N3.9 million | Up to ~$2,539 |
Note: Room prices are dynamic and subject to exchange rate fluctuations, but consistently reflect the premium quality and five-star service delivered by the Marriott brand.
⚓ The SIFAX Group Story: From Freight to Fortune
The story of the Lagos Marriott is inextricably linked to the visionary leadership of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.
Dr. Afolabi established SIFAX Group in 1988 as a modest freight forwarding agency. Through shrewd business acumen, hard work, and strategic acquisitions, he transformed it into one of West Africa’s most prominent integrated service providers. The Group’s influence now stretches across critical economic arteries:
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Maritime: Terminal operations and shipping.
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Aviation: Through subsidiaries like Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO).
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Logistics: Haulage and warehousing.
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Hospitality: Anchored by the Lagos Marriott.
The successful launch and operation of a world-class hotel under a brand as globally respected as Marriott International is a powerful testament to the financial might and execution capability of the SIFAX Group. It serves as a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to host and sustain high-end luxury ventures.
