FG Hits Back at Peter Obi Over Claims of Neglecting Ports Outside Lagos

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has dismissed assertions by former presidential candidate Peter Obi that the federal government is neglecting ports outside Lagos, labelling the claims are baseless and misleading.

Persecondnews recalls that Obi had criticized the recent approval of $1 billion for the modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos, arguing that the development underscores the longstanding neglect of other major ports in the country.

The ministry, however, maintained that its policies and actions demonstrate a balanced approach to port development.

Bolaji Akinola, spokesperson for Minister Adegboyega Oyetola on Wednesday in a statement said: “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 added: “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 ministry pointed to ongoing projects in other parts of the country as evidence of its commitment to decentralising port operations and promoting maritime development nationwide.

“Procurement has begun for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, while collaborations with state governments and private investors are underway for 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 (NIWA), is a testament to the government’s efforts.”

The ministry assured Nigerians that the ongoing reforms in the maritime sector will ensure that every region benefits from the opportunities in the nation’s growing blue economy.

“The federal government is committed to modernising ports nationwide,” Akinola said, adding that the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda prioritises national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through maritime development.