The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy on Tuesday noted with concern the recent remarks by former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, regarding the Federal Government’s approval of the $1 billion modernization of the Apapa and TinCan Island ports in Lagos.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Ministry said that while it welcomes constructive dialogue on national development, it is important to correct the misleading impression created by Mr. Obi’s comments.
The Honorable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, has consistently stated in various forums that the Federal Government is modernizing and upgrading the country’s ports in a comprehensive and inclusive manner, without concentrating efforts solely on Lagos.
The Ministry has already started the procurement process for the renovation and modernization of Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Onne ports. These projects are being carried out alongside the Lagos Port modernization initiative, forming part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalize and expand maritime infrastructure in all regions of the country.
In addition to these ongoing interventions, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is working closely with the respective state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will further strengthen the country’s maritime capacity.
These include Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State and a Deep Seaport in Cross River State. Each of these projects reflects the Ministry’s commitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion within the framework of the national blue economy.
Furthermore, the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), an agency under the Ministry, is a practical example of the Federal Government’s efforts to decentralize port operations and expand maritime access beyond Lagos. These initiatives demonstrate a deliberate and strategic approach to strengthening Nigeria’s port network, improving logistics efficiency and stimulating industrial and commercial growth across the federation.
The Lagos ports modernization project is a necessary intervention given the age and scale of the trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island. However, it is by no means the only goal of the federal government’s maritime infrastructure campaign. The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernize and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a national commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable and forward-thinking manner.
The Federal Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy therefore wishes to state unequivocally that Peter Obi’s claim that ports outside Lagos are neglected is incorrect and misleading. The policies and actions of the Federal Government clearly demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development, guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Agenda of Renewed Hope, which seeks to promote national food security, economic diversification and regional prosperity by fully harnessing Nigeria’s maritime potential.
The Ministry remains committed to transparent, accountable and equitable maritime governance, and assures Nigerians that the ongoing reforms will ensure that all regions of the country benefit from the opportunities inherent in the country’s growing blue economy.
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