The Federal Government has dismissed as misleading and inaccurate, recent remarks by former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, concerning the ongoing $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the ministry expressed concern over what it described as a “wrong impression” created by Obi’s comments.
Akinola clarified that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has consistently explained that the Federal Government’s efforts at modernising and upgrading the nation’s ports are not limited to Lagos.
According to him, “The Ministry has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. These projects are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative as part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions of the country.”
He further noted that the government is also collaborating with state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will enhance Nigeria’s maritime capacity. “These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and another in Cross River State,” he said.
Akinola also highlighted that the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, which was developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), serves as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to decentralising port operations and expanding maritime access beyond Lagos.
He added that while the Lagos ports modernisation project is essential due to the volume of trade handled in Apapa and TinCan Island, “it is by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive.”
“The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernise, and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner,” he stressed.
Akinola reaffirmed that Mr. Obi’s comments suggesting the neglect of ports outside Lagos are “incorrect and misleading,” insisting that the Federal Government’s policies reflect a balanced and inclusive approach to port development.
He concluded that all initiatives are in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to drive food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential.