The Federal Government has faulted claims by Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, that its ongoing seaport modernisation efforts are concentrated in Lagos.
Obi had criticised the recent approval of $1 billion by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for the modernisation of the Apapa and TinCan Island ports, describing the move as another example of the government’s neglect of other major ports across the country.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, Bolaji Akinola, spokesperson to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described Obi’s remarks as misleading.
Akinola said the ministry’s port modernisation agenda is a nationwide effort aimed at improving maritime infrastructure across the country.
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“The Federal Government is not neglecting ports outside Lagos. Procurement processes have already begun for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar, and Onne,” he stated.
He added that the ministry is also collaborating with state governments and private investors to develop new deep seaports in Bayelsa (Agge), Akwa Ibom (Ibom), Rivers (Bonny), and Cross River states.
Akinola emphasised that the ministry welcomes constructive dialogue on maritime development but urged public figures to ensure their comments reflect the full scope of the government’s efforts.