Seaport modernisation drive not Lagos-centric.. your claim misleading – FG tells Obi

The ministry of marine and blue economy has dismissed claims by Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), that the federal government is neglecting ports outside Lagos.

@PeterObi had criticised the recent approval of $1 billion by the federal government for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island seaports in Lagos.

The politician opined that Nigeria’s maritime development remains unfairly concentrated in Lagos, adding that the latest initiative is a pointer to the longstanding neglect of other major ports across the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Akinola, spokesperson to Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, said the ministry welcomes constructive dialogue but warned that Obi’s comments were misleading.

He said the government is committed to modernising ports nationwide.

Akinola said the ministry has begun procurement for upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne, alongside the ongoing modernisation of Apapa and TinCan Island ports.

He also pointed to collaborations with state governments and private investors on new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.(The Cable)