The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE) has strongly disputed assertions made by Peter Obi that the federal government is concentrating its maritime infrastructure investment solely in Lagos.

The ministry described the former presidential candidate’s remarks as “incorrect and misleading.”

Obi’s Warning: Ports Beyond Lagos Left Behind

In posts on X (formerly Twitter) and a public statement, Peter Obi raised concerns about the federal government’s recent approval of US$1 billion for modernising the Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

While he described the investment as “commendable,” he argued that it once again exposed a historic pattern of investments being overly concentrated in Lagos at the expense of other strategic ports.

Obi singled out ports in locations such as Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Onne as being neglected despite their potential to boost trade, create jobs, reduce congestion in Lagos, and foster regional economic growth.

He argued that decentralising port development is essential for unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy.

Ministry’s Response: Balanced Strategy Underway

In a statement issued by Dr Bolaji Akinola, media adviser to the Minister, the ministry emphasised that while the Lagos port upgrades are indeed significant – given the large volume of cargo and existing bottlenecks at Apapa and Tin Can – the federal government’s port‑modernisation agenda is not limited to Lagos.

It said modernisation efforts are being conducted “alongside” improvements in other regions.

Specifically, the ministry noted that procurement processes have already started for the renovation of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Onne.

It further pointed to major deep‑sea port projects in the pipeline, including:

* Agge Deep Seaport in Bayelsa State

* Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State

* Bonny Deep Seaport in Rivers State

* A proposed deep‑sea port in Cross River State

Additionally, the ministry cited the development of the Onitsha River Port (by the National Inland Waterways Authority) as evidence of efforts to extend port‑infrastructure investment beyond Lagos.

Implications & Takeaways

* The dispute underscores rising tension over regional equity in infrastructure development, especially in the maritime and blue‑economy sectors.

* For port stakeholders in states outside Lagos, Obi’s remarks mirror longstanding frustrations about perceived infrastructural marginalisation.

* For the ministry, the public rebuttal signals a need to emphasise and communicate its nationwide strategy more clearly, beyond high‑profile Lagos projects.

* The question remains: will the planned programmes outside Lagos translate into timely and tangible port upgrades, as the ministry claims?

Nigeria’s maritime trade has historically been dominated by Lagos‑based ports, which has led to congestion, high demurrage costs, and logistics bottlenecks.

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Moving forward, the government seeks to decongest Lagos by developing regional ports, thereby promoting balanced economic growth across states. Obi’s critique aligns with this logistic challenge.