FG Faults Peter Obi’s Misleading Claim on Port Development

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has noted with concern the recent remarks made by former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, regarding the Federal Government’s approval of the $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos.

While the Ministry welcomes constructive dialogue on national development, it is important to correct the misleading impression created by Mr Obi’s comments.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has consistently stated at various fora that the Federal Government is modernising and upgrading the nation’s ports in a comprehensive and inclusive manner — not concentrating efforts solely in Lagos.

The Ministry has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. These projects are being undertaken alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative, forming part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infra- structure across 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 nation’s maritime capacity.

These include the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the 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.