The ministry of marine and blue economy has dismissed claims by Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), that the federal government is neglecting ports outside Lagos.
Obi had criticised the recent approval of $1 billion by the federal government for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.
The politician opined that Nigeria’s maritime development remains unfairly concentrated in Lagos, adding that the latest initiative is a pointer to the longstanding neglect of other major ports across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Akinola, spokesperson to Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, said the ministry welcomes constructive dialogue but warned that Obi’s comments were misleading.
He said the government is committed to modernising ports nationwide.
Akinola said the ministry has begun procurement for upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the ongoing modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island ports.
He also pointed to collaborations with state governments and private investors on new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.
Akinola cited the Onitsha River Port in Anambra, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as evidence of efforts to decentralise 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,” he said.
“The federal government’s policies and actions clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential.”
He assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities inherent in the nation’s growing blue economy.
