Minister Faults Obi’s Claim On Port Neglect

The federal government has dismissed the recent claims by the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that the administration is neglecting ports outside Lagos in its maritime infrastructure agenda, as false and misleading.

The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, clarified this through his special adviser on media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, in a statement titled “FG Faults Misleading Claim on Port Development.”

According to the statement, the minister reiterated that the federal government is pursuing a comprehensive and inclusive port modernisation plan that covers all country’s regions, not Lagos alone.

“The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has noted with concern the recent remarks made by former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, regarding the Federal Government’s approval of the $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos,” the statement read.

“While the ministry welcomes constructive dialogue on national development, correcting the misleading impression created by Mr Obi’s comments is important.”

Dr Akinola explained that the Federal Ministry has already commenced the procurement process for renovating and modernising ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the Lagos ports modernisation initiative.

He stressed that these interventions are part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure across all regions.

“The modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island ports is not the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive,” he said.
“Other major projects include the ongoing development of the Onitsha River Port by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which forms part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s port network and improve logistics efficiency nationwide.”

Dr Akinola added that the federal government, through the Ministry, is also collaborating with state governments and private investors to develop new deep-seaports across the country.

These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and another proposed deep seaport in Cross River State.

He noted that these projects reflect the ministry’s commitment to balanced regional development, economic diversification, and inclusive growth, which is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Highlighting the federal government’s ongoing reforms, the statement pointed to the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State as a “practical example” of efforts to decentralise port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos.

“The Lagos ports modernisation project is necessary given the age and trade volume of Apapa and TinCan Island ports. However, it is by no means the sole focus of the federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive,” the ministry affirmed.

The minister’s aide maintained that the federal government’s actions “clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development,” adding that the ministry remains committed to transparent, accountable, and equitable maritime governance.

“The Ministry assures Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities inherent in the nation’s growing blue economy,” Dr Akinola said.