Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has once again stirred public reaction with his comments on the Federal Government’s $1 billion (₦1.5 trillion) approval for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi questioned what he described as the Federal Government’s continuous concentration of infrastructure projects in Lagos, urging that other major ports across the country be given equal attention.
“I have noted the Federal Government’s recent approval of $1 billion (₦1.5 trillion) for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos,” Obi stated. “While any effort to improve efficiency and embrace technology in our maritime sector is commendable, such an initiative must be guided by accountability, transparency, and equity for all Nigerians.”
According to him, Nigeria’s infrastructure investment is “excessively concentrated in Lagos, often at the expense of other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.” He argued that if these ports were fully developed, they could “enhance productivity, drive trade, create jobs, and open new economic corridors that would lift millions out of poverty across the federation.”
Obi drew comparisons with other countries that have decentralised their port development to promote balanced economic growth. He noted, “Vietnam operates over 300 ports — from Haiphong in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south — ensuring nationwide connectivity. Indonesia boasts about 111 commercial ports distributed across its territory to guarantee balanced access to trade. South Africa maintains eight major seaports… Egypt runs about 15 commercial ports… Morocco has about 14 ports open to international trade, and Algeria operates about 10 commercial ports spread across its extensive Mediterranean coast.”
He added that, “no country seeking to maximise its blue economy concentrates all maritime activities in a single city,” explaining that decentralisation “reduces congestion, improves logistics, enhances national security, and promotes balanced economic growth.”
Obi further stated that developing other Nigerian ports is “not merely an infrastructural necessity but a national imperative.” He said, “Revitalising Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne would decongest Lagos, reduce shipping costs, attract investment, create employment, and stimulate regional economies.”
The former governor also stressed the need for reform and transparency in port operations. “Beyond physical infrastructure, reform must also address corruption, reduce bureaucracy, and embrace technology to create a seamless, paperless port system that enhances turnaround time and global competitiveness,” he added.
Concluding his statement, Obi urged the government to ensure fairness and equity in national development. “Now more than ever, Nigeria must rebuild with fairness, guided by equity, integrity, and a clear vision to transform our nation from one of consumption to one of production and shared prosperity,” he said.
However, critics have pointed out that the Tinubu administration had already approved funds for the rehabilitation of other ports, including those in Onne, Port Harcourt, and Calabar, suggesting that Obi’s criticism might have overlooked these existing initiatives.