The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has dismissed as misleading the recent comments by former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, concerning the Federal Government’s approval of the $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has dismissed as misleading the recent comments by former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, concerning the Federal Government’s approval of the $1 billion modernisation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Ministry said while it welcomes constructive national dialogue, it is important to set the record straight on the true scope of the government’s port modernisation efforts.
According to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the Tinubu administration is upgrading and modernising the nation’s ports under a comprehensive and inclusive programme, not one limited to Lagos.
He explained that procurement processes have already commenced for the renovation and modernisation of Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Onne Ports, alongside the Lagos projects.
“These efforts form part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions,” the Minister stated.
Dr Oyetola further disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is collaborating with state governments and private investors on the development of new deep seaports — including the Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa, Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom, Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers, and a similar facility in Cross River State.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to balanced development and regional economic inclusion within the framework of Nigeria’s blue economy,” the statement noted.
The Ministry also pointed to the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), as a practical demonstration of the government’s resolve to decentralise port operations and promote maritime access beyond Lagos.
While acknowledging that the Lagos port modernisation project is necessary given the age and scale of operations at Apapa and Tin Can, the Ministry stressed that it is “by no means the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive.”
It therefore described Mr Obi’s remarks suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos as “incorrect and misleading,” adding that current projects clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy “in an equitable, sustainable and forward-looking manner.”
The statement reaffirmed that the Ministry’s actions align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen food security, economic diversification and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of the nation’s maritime potential.
“The Ministry remains committed to transparent, accountable and equitable maritime governance,” the statement concluded, assuring Nigerians that ongoing reforms will ensure every region benefits from the opportunities inherent in the country’s expanding blue economy.