The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has refuted recent remarks by former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, concerning the Federal Government’s approval of the $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos, describing his comments as “misleading and inaccurate.”
In a statement issued by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, the Ministry stressed that while it welcomes constructive dialogue on national development, it is important to clarify that the Federal Government’s port modernisation efforts are not limited to Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has consistently maintained that the government is implementing a comprehensive and inclusive national port renewal strategy, covering facilities across all geopolitical zones.
“The Ministry has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the Lagos port projects,” the statement read.
According to the Ministry, these initiatives form part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise maritime infrastructure, enhance trade efficiency, and expand the country’s logistics capacity.
In addition to the ongoing port upgrades, the Ministry disclosed that it is partnering with state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River States — projects designed to promote balanced regional growth and economic inclusion.
The Ministry also cited the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State — developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), an agency under its supervision — as evidence of the Federal Government’s deliberate effort to decentralise port operations and open up maritime access beyond Lagos.
While acknowledging the urgent need to modernise the Lagos ports due to their age and the volume of trade they handle, the Ministry emphasised that Apapa and TinCan Island are not the sole focus of the government’s maritime infrastructure drive.
“Our ongoing efforts to modernise other ports outside Lagos reaffirm our nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner,” the statement added.
The Ministry described Mr. Obi’s assertion that the Federal Government is neglecting ports outside Lagos as “incorrect and misleading,” insisting that all current projects align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic diversification, regional prosperity, and full utilisation of Nigeria’s maritime potential.
The statement reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to transparent, accountable, and inclusive maritime governance, assuring Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region benefits from the expanding opportunities within the nation’s blue economy.
