The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has debunked claims by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi that the federal government is neglecting ports outside Lagos.
DAILY POST recalls that Obi had criticised the recent approval of US$1 billion by the Federal Government for the modernisation 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 modernising ports nationwide. He said the ministry has begun procurement for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the ongoing modernisation 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 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.
“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,” the statement read.
