Oyetola Dismisses Obi’s Claims on Port Development, Reaffirms Nationwide Modernisation Plan
The Federal Government has faulted remarks made by former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, regarding the ongoing $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Ministry described Obi’s comments as misleading and clarified that port upgrades are being executed in a balanced and inclusive manner across the country.
Dr. Akinola noted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has repeatedly stressed that port modernisation efforts are not concentrated in Lagos alone. He disclosed that procurement processes have commenced for the renovation and expansion of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Onne, forming part of a broader national strategy to upgrade maritime infrastructure.
He further highlighted ongoing collaborations with state governments and private investors for the development of new deep seaports, including the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers, and a proposed deep seaport in Cross River.
According to him, the Onitsha River Port in Anambra — developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) — stands as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to decentralising port operations and boosting maritime business beyond Lagos.
While describing the Lagos ports modernisation as necessary due to the age and volume of trade handled, Akinola maintained that the initiative is only one aspect of a nationwide marine infrastructure transformation guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading,” Akinola stated, stressing that the government remains committed to promoting national food security, economic diversification and regional development through a vibrant maritime industry.
He assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms within the sector will ensure every region benefits from the opportunities within the country’s expanding blue economy.
