The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has refuted claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alleging that the Federal Government has overlooked ports outside Lagos.
Veritas Nexus report recollects that Obi had criticized the recent approval of US$1 billion by the Federal Government for the modernization of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.
According to him, Nigeria’s maritime development remains unfairly concentrated in Lagos, stressing that the latest initiative is a pointer to the longstanding neglect of other major ports across the country.
Responding in a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Akinola, spokesperson to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the ministry welcomes constructive dialogue but warned that Obi’s comments were misleading.
Akinola stated that the government is committed to modernizing ports nationwide. He said the ministry has begun procurement for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the ongoing modernization of Apapa and TinCan Island ports.
“The Federal Government is collaborating with state governments and private investors on new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.
“The Onitsha River Port in Anambra, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority, is evidence of efforts to decentralize port operations.
“The federal government therefore wishes to state unequivocally that Mr Peter Obi’s claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading.
“The Federal Government’s policies and initiatives reflect a balanced, inclusive approach to port development, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda — aimed at advancing food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full utilization of Nigeria’s maritime potential,” the statement added.
