{"id":123371,"date":"2025-10-29T08:34:52","date_gmt":"2025-10-29T07:34:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=123371"},"modified":"2025-10-29T08:34:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T07:34:52","slug":"marine-ministry-counters-obi-reaffirms-inclusive-port-upgrades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/marine-ministry-counters-obi-reaffirms-inclusive-port-upgrades\/","title":{"rendered":"\u200eMarine Ministry Counters Obi, Reaffirms Inclusive Port Upgrades"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By \u200eDaniel Adaji<\/div>\n
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\u200eThe Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has refuted claims made by former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, regarding the Federal Government\u2019s $1 billion port modernisation project, insisting that the initiative is part of a broader, nationwide strategy \u2014 not limited to Lagos.<\/div>\n
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\u200eIn a statement signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, the Ministry described Obi\u2019s recent comments as \u201cmisleading,\u201d stressing that the ongoing modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island Ports is only one component of a coordinated effort to revitalise ports across Nigeria.<\/div>\n
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\u200eThe former governor and 2023 presidential candidate, had called on the Federal Government to diversify port development beyond Lagos following the approval of $1 billion (approximately \u20a61.5 trillion) for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports.<\/div>\n
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\u200eObi made the call via a statement on his official X account on Friday, emphasising the need for equitable infrastructure investment across Nigeria\u2019s maritime sector. He argued that other strategic ports \u2014 including Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne \u2014 remain underdeveloped despite their potential to stimulate regional economies, create jobs, and ease congestion in Lagos.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200e\u201cI have noted the Federal Government\u2019s recent approval of $1 billion (\u20a61.5 trillion) for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports in Lagos. While any effort to improve efficiency and embrace technology in our maritime sector is commendable, such an initiative must be guided by accountability, transparency, and equity for all Nigerians. However, this development once again exposes a longstanding concentration of our port development only in Lagos.<\/div>\n
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\u200e\u201cNigeria\u2019s infrastructure investment remains excessively concentrated in Lagos, often at the expense of other strategic ports such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. If fully developed, these ports could enhance productivity, drive trade, create jobs, and open new economic corridors that would lift millions out of poverty across the federation,\u201d the statement read in part.<\/div>\n
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\u200eObi highlighted examples from other countries with decentralised port systems, citing Vietnam\u2019s 300 ports, Indonesia\u2019s 111 commercial ports, and South Africa\u2019s eight major seaports. He observed that these nations benefit from nationwide connectivity, improved logistics, and balanced economic growth. Even Ghana, with only two major ports, ensures geographical balance to maximise efficiency.<\/div>\n
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\u200eHe further stressed that beyond physical infrastructure, reforms must address corruption, reduce bureaucracy, and embrace technology to create a seamless, paperless port system that improves turnaround times and competitiveness. Obi noted that if prudently managed, the Lagos modernisation project could serve as a model for wider maritime transformation.<\/div>\n
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\u200eHe called for fairness and equity in Nigeria\u2019s infrastructure planning, arguing that a truly national blue economy must involve every region and shift the country from one driven by consumption to one focused on production and shared prosperity.<\/div>\n
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\u200eReacting to the criticism, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, stated that the Federal Government\u2019s port development strategy is \u201ccomprehensive and inclusive,\u201d encompassing ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne alongside those in Lagos.<\/div>\n
\u200e<\/div>\n
\u200e\u201cThe Ministry has already commenced the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of the ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne,\u201d the statement noted, reaffirming that these projects are part of a national infrastructure plan to expand maritime operations in every region.<\/div>\n
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\u200eBeyond rehabilitating existing facilities, the Ministry disclosed that it is partnering with state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports that will further boost Nigeria\u2019s maritime capacity.<\/div>\n
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\u200eAmong these are the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State, the Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, the Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State, and another deep seaport planned for Cross River State. Each of these, the Ministry said, underscores the Federal Government\u2019s \u201ccommitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion\u201d in line with the objectives of the blue economy.<\/div>\n
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\u200eThe Ministry also cited the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State \u2014 developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), an agency under the Ministry \u2014 as tangible proof of efforts to decentralise port operations and expand access beyond Lagos.<\/div>\n
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\u200eIt described the port\u2019s activation as part of \u201ca deliberate and strategic approach to strengthening Nigeria\u2019s port network, improving logistics efficiency, and stimulating industrial and commercial growth across the federation.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u200eWhile acknowledging the significance of the Lagos ports, the Ministry maintained that the $1 billion modernisation project is necessary due to the age and volume of trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island Ports. It clarified, however, that these interventions do not come at the expense of other regions.<\/div>\n
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\u200e\u201cThe Lagos ports modernisation project is a necessary intervention given the age and scale of trade handled through Apapa and TinCan Island. However, it is by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government\u2019s maritime infrastructure drive,\u201d the Ministry stated.<\/div>\n
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\u200eReaffirming its commitment to fairness, the Ministry declared that \u201cMr Peter Obi\u2019s claim suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos is incorrect and misleading.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u200eIt stressed that the Federal Government\u2019s port development policies are guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu\u2019s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the sustainable development of the marine and blue economy.<\/div>\n
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\u200e\u201cThe Ministry remains committed to transparent, accountable, and equitable maritime governance,\u201d the statement read, assuring Nigerians that \u201congoing reforms will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities inherent in the nation\u2019s growing blue economy.\u201d<\/div>\n
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