Peter Obi Got It Wrong!” – Marine Ministry Counters Claims Of Port Neglect Outside Lagos

Obi had recently criticised the government’s approval of $1 billion for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos, urging that similar investments be made in other regions.

In a post shared on his handle, the former Anambra State Governor argued that the government’s heavy focus on Lagos ports was coming at the expense of strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne.

Responding on Wednesday, Bolaji Akinola, spokesperson to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said while the ministry welcomes constructive criticism, Obi’s remarks were “misleading and do not reflect the facts.”

According to Akinola, the Federal Government is actively working on port modernisation projects across the country, not just in Lagos. He noted that the ministry has already begun the procurement process for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside ongoing works at Apapa and TinCan.

“The Federal Government is also partnering with state governments and private investors to establish new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River, while the Onitsha River Port in Anambra serves as proof of efforts to decentralise port operations,” Akinola stated.

He emphasised that the Tinubu administration’s port strategy reflects a balanced and inclusive national approach, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, regional development, and full utilisation of Nigeria’s maritime potential.

“The claim that the government is neglecting ports outside Lagos is both inaccurate and misleading,” Akinola concluded.