FG Faults Misleading Claim on Port Development

Abuja, October 29, 2025

The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has expressed concern over recent remarks 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.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy on Media and Communication, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, emphasised that while the Ministry welcomes constructive dialogue on national development, it is necessary to correct the misleading impression created by Mr. Obi’s comments.

Dr. Akinola noted that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has consistently stated in various public engagements that the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme is being implemented in a comprehensive and inclusive manner, rather than being focused solely on Lagos.

According to him, the Ministry has already begun the procurement process for the renovation and modernisation of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne. These projects, he said, are being executed alongside the Lagos port modernisation initiative as part of a coordinated national strategy to revitalise and expand maritime infrastructure across all regions of the country.

The statement further disclosed that the Federal Ministry is working in collaboration with state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports aimed at boosting Nigeria’s maritime capacity. Among 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 a proposed deep seaport in Cross River State.
Dr. Akinola also highlighted the Onitsha River Port in Anambra State, developed by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA)—an agency under the Ministry—as tangible evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to decentralising port operations and expanding maritime access beyond Lagos.

While acknowledging that the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island Ports is a necessary intervention due to their age and trade volume, the Ministry stressed that it is not the sole focus of the Federal Government’s maritime infrastructure drive.
“The Ministry’s ongoing efforts to upgrade, modernise, and expand other ports outside Lagos clearly affirm a nationwide commitment to developing the marine and blue economy in an equitable, sustainable, and forward-looking manner,” the statement read.
Dr. Akinola therefore described Mr. Obi’s claims suggesting neglect of ports outside Lagos as incorrect and misleading, reaffirming that the Federal Government’s actions demonstrate a balanced and inclusive approach to port development.

He added that all initiatives are aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises national food security, economic diversification, and regional prosperity through the full harnessing of Nigeria’s maritime potential.

The Ministry reassured Nigerians that ongoing reforms in the marine and blue economy sector will ensure every region of the country benefits from the opportunities and growth being unlocked in the nation’s expanding maritime industry.